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

The flag has been used by right-wing groups, including militia groups that have been linked to armed stand-offs with federal authorities. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024

There had been well over 100 militia attacks on American forces in the region since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, but this one penetrated U.S. air defenses, killing three troops and seriously wounding dozens more. —Alissa J. Rubin, New York Times, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, military service, from milit-, miles

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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