militia

noun

mi·​li·​tia mə-ˈli-shə 

plural militias

1

a

: a part of the organized armed forces of a country liable to call only in emergency

The militia was called to quell the riot.

b

: a body of citizens organized for military service

2

: the whole body of able-bodied male citizens declared by law as being subject to call to military service

3

: a private group of armed individuals that operates as a paramilitary force and is typically motivated by a political or religious ideology

specifically : such a group that aims to defend individual rights against government authority that is perceived as oppressive

Examples of militia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sanctions were also slapped on seven centers suspected of indoctrinating the children or training them to serve in the armed forces, either for Russia or pro-Russian militias inside Ukraine. —ABC News, 11 May 2026

In rural areas, however, their reputation is radioactive due to the brutal actions of government troops and allied militias. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026

Police told the outlet that the suspects believed, falsely, that Borel was an informant for a local militia that was trying to establish itself in the Corte neighborhood. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

Israel's retaliation in Gaza, the deadliest war in Palestinian history, did not eradicate Hamas, and its wars targeting Iran's leadership and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon left both standing. —Daniel Estrin, NPR, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, military service, from milit-, miles

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for militia

• vicia

Kids Definition

militia

noun

mi·​li·​tia mə-ˈlish-ə 

: a body of citizens with some military training who are called to active duty only in an emergency