wartime

noun

war·​time ˈwȯr-ˌtīm 

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

Lawmakers are confronting the sudden reality of representing wary Americans in wartime and all that entails — with lives lost, dollars spent and alliances tested by a president’s unilateral decision to go to war with Iran. —Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Following Khamenei's assassination, Arafi was reportedly elevated to a temporary leadership council tasked with guiding the country during wartime and through the succession process. —Imtiaz Tyab, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

Although public opinion usually rallies behind a president during wartime, Trump’s failure to seek consensus about a new battle in the Middle East has left early opinion sharply divided. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026

But for the most part Trump is communicating on his own terms — in ways that didn’t even exist for past presidents in wartime. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wartime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime

Kids Definition

wartime

noun

war·​time ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌtīm 

: a period when a war is going on