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.
The ongoing turmoil in the upper ranks of the military comes as Xi is seeking to make China’s armed forces stronger, more combat-ready and more aggressive in asserting its disputed territorial claims in the region. Steven Jiang, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024 Phelan, if confirmed, would be the first person in 15 years to lead the Navy without having served in any branch of the armed forces. Melissa Chan, NBC News, 27 Nov. 2024 October marked the highest monthly Russian casualty figures of the war, the head of the British armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, told the BBC on November 10. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 As Russian forces press their attacks all along the 800-mile front line of Russia’s 33-month wider war on Ukraine, a new recruit in the Russian armed forces has a one-month life expectancy after signing his contract, according to Estonian analyst Artur Rehi. David Axe, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near armed forces

Cite this Entry

“Armed forces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armed%20forces. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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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