warfare

noun

war·​fare ˈwȯr-ˌfer How to pronounce warfare (audio)
1
: military operations between enemies : hostilities, war
also : an activity undertaken by a political unit (such as a nation) to weaken or destroy another
economic warfare
2
: struggle between competing entities : conflict

see also biological warfare, chemical warfare, cyber warfare, germ warfare, trench warfare

Examples of warfare in a Sentence

that troubled household seems to be almost constantly in a state of warfare companies engaged in constant warfare for dominance in the market for smart phones and tablets
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another operative questioned the strategic logic, noting that backing a weak or unpopular candidate and sparking open warfare with Trump’s team risks alienating the very voters Kemp would need in a future national campaign. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025 However, there was little evidence of electronic warfare on the battlefield which might have disabled drones by jamming video, navigation and control signals. Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Not since Captain Phillips have I been so gripped by this kind of maritime warfare, all of which reaches its climax when Kiki starts handing out water guns. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 July 2025 As an espionage thriller, the series explores the darker side of warfare through the actions of muscular CIA operatives. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for warfare

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from werre, warre war + fare journey, passage — more at fare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of warfare was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Warfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warfare. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

warfare

noun
war·​fare ˈwȯr-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce warfare (audio)
-ˌfe(ə)r
1
a
: military fighting between enemies : war
b
: activity undertaken by one country or group to weaken or destroy another
economic warfare
2
: a struggle between competitors : conflict
industrial warfare

More from Merriam-Webster on warfare

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