often attributive
1
a(1)
: a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations
(2)
: a period of such armed conflict
(3)
b
: the art or science of warfare
c(1)
obsolete
: weapons and equipment for war
(2)
archaic
: soldiers armed and equipped for war
2
a
: a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism
b
: a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end
a class war
a war against disease
c
warred; warring
Examples of war in a Sentence
Noun
They fought a war over the disputed territory.
A war broke out when the colonists demanded their independence.
We need to resolve our conflicts without resorting to war.
People behave differently during a time of war.
The taking of American hostages was seen as an act of war by the United States.
the budget wars in Washington
Verb (1)
continually warring against their neighbors in an effort to expand their territory
Recent Examples on the Web
Keir Simmons, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025
Once optimized, the system could deploy quickly in regions affected by wars, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises, where clean water access becomes critical.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Asked when a ceasefire might begin, Zelensky said this will likely only happen after the warring sides sign a framework agreement.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Noun
The Russian leader struck a tone of economic optimism during his remarks, seeking to project confidence despite ongoing challenges fueled by Western sanctions and the effects of his war in Ukraine.
—Keir Simmons, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025
Once optimized, the system could deploy quickly in regions affected by wars, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises, where clean water access becomes critical.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
Smith said the hearing was a global call to action and that there must be an immediate cessation of hostilities between the warring factions.
—Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Asked when a ceasefire might begin, Zelensky said this will likely only happen after the warring sides sign a framework agreement.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Cite this Entry
“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
war
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a state or period of armed hostile conflict between states, nations, or groups
b
: the science of warfare
2
a
: a state of hostility, antagonism, or conflict
b
: a struggle between opposing forces or for a particular goal
a war on disease
war
2 of 2 verb
warred; warring
1
: to engage in warfare
warring nations
2
: to be in conflict
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