war

1 of 4

noun

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
warless adjective

war

2 of 4

verb (1)

warred; warring

intransitive verb

1
: to be in active or vigorous conflict
2
: to engage in warfare

war

3 of 4

adverb or adjective

chiefly Scotland
: worse

war

4 of 4

verb (2)

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
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.
Noun
Israel’s war with Iran is over Unfortunately, the history of foreign policy and military mistakes shows the folly of assuming one’s opponents will behave as desired. Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Iran Offer The flare-up between India and Pakistan has been overshadowed globally by the war between Israel and Iran, with the United States also joining strikes against Tehran's nuclear program. Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Verb
The warning came as Israeli forces stepped up their attacks on Iranian cities, as the warring nations exchanged volleys of air strikes. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 June 2025 For the Gulf, which sits between the two warring countries, the consequences are evident. Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for war

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English werre, from Anglo-French werre, guerre, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German werra strife; akin to Old High German werran to confuse

Adverb or adjective

Middle English werre, from Old Norse verri, adjective, verr, adverb; akin to Old English wiersa worse — more at worse

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb Or Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of war was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

war

1 of 2 noun
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on war

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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