ˌperəˈmɪləˌteri 
British ˌpærəˈmɪlətri
always used before a noun
: of or relating to a group that is not an official army but that operates and is organized like an army
paramilitary militias
Government forces have been attacked by heavily armed paramilitary groups in several villages.
paramilitary training
a paramilitary police force
plural paramilitaries
: a member of a paramilitary group
—usually plural
Forces encountered heavily armed paramilitaries.
Cite this Entry
“Paramilitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/paramilitary. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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