world war

noun

: 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.
Singer pointed to the massive casualties from world wars, numbers that the world has not seen in several of the most recent conflicts combined. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 30 June 2025 As if two world wars—and countless smaller conflicts over the centuries—weren't enough for today's EU leaders. Dan Gooding barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 So another big weekend in this unfolding aspect of this third world war. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 June 2025 As for world war, the Russians, a key partner of the Iranians, have shown no appetite to get involved. The Editors, National Review, 18 June 2025 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 25 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on world war

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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