wartime

noun

war·​time ˈwȯr-ˌtīm How to pronounce wartime (audio)
often attributive
: a period during which a war is in progress
rationing during wartime

Examples of wartime in a Sentence

Many goods were rationed during wartime.
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.
The Alien Enemies Act, an 18th century wartime law enacted during a naval conflict with France, also rests on the definition of an invasion. Molly Redden, ProPublica, 23 May 2025 The White House is trying to use an 18th-century wartime law to deport them without trial. SOURCE: Federal court records | Henry Gass and Jacob Turcotte/Staff The Trump administration has said these quick-fire transfers are necessary for security reasons. Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2025 In the past, Venezuelans have been sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador under an obscure 18th-century wartime law that is still being contested in U.S. courts. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 The high court also has been involved in slowing Trump’s efforts to swiftly deport Venezuelans accused of being gang members to a prison in El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wartime

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wartime was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wartime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wartime. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

wartime

noun
war·​time ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌtīm How to pronounce wartime (audio)
: a period when a war is going on

More from Merriam-Webster on wartime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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