world war

noun

Synonyms of world warnext
: a war engaged in by all or most of the principal nations of the world
especially, World War : either of two such wars of the first half of the 20th century

Examples of world war in a Sentence

He fought in both World Wars. The nations were prepared for world war.
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.
With the two world wars driven in large part by French-German rivalry, reducing intra-alliance conflict was central to NATO’s purpose. Carla Martinez MacHain, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2026 These artists were also reacting to world events, including two world wars. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026 Minghella and a stellar cast never lose the tenderness amidst the epic sweep of a world war. Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 Steel made from iron ore mined on Minnesota’s Iron Range built this country — from skyscrapers, to bridges and equipment used in both world wars. Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for world war

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of world war was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“World war.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world%20war. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

world war

noun
: a war involving all or most of the chief nations of the world
especially, capitalized both Ws : either of two such wars of the 20th century

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