armed forces

plural noun

: the combined military, naval, and air forces of a nation

called also armed services

Examples of armed forces in a Sentence

our nation's armed forces are stationed throughout the world
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.
Though financially and logistically dependent on foreign partners, Ukraine's armed forces are among the world's most potent and experienced. David Brennan, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025 The show of strength comes as Tehran places its armed forces on high alert, bracing for a potential attack by Israel and the U.S. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment via email. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 Soldiers of the German armed forces Bundeswehr arrive in an armoured vehicle at the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Battalion in Lithuania in Rukla, Lithuania on February 17, 2022. Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025 Those include banning transgender service members from serving in the US armed forces, ending federal support for minors’ gender transitions, and reversing efforts to broaden gender identity designations. Taylor Romine, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for armed forces

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of armed forces was in 1572

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Armed forces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armed%20forces. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

armed forces

plural noun
: the military, naval, and air forces of a nation

More from Merriam-Webster on armed forces

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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