-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
The turmoil in the upper ranks of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) comes as leader Xi Jinping is seeking to make China’s armed forces stronger, more combat-ready and more aggressive in asserting its disputed territorial claims in the region.
—
Nectar Gan, CNN, 1 July 2024
The six conservatives ruled that presidents and ex-presidents enjoy absolute immunity for exercising their core constitutional powers, including acting as commander in chief of the armed forces, and presumed immunity for their official acts.
—
David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024
Le Pen is already challenging Macron’s hold on French foreign policy and defense, suggesting the president play a more honorary role as commander in chief of the armed forces.
—
Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 30 June 2024
Under British colonization in the mid-to-late 19th century, administrators recruited many Karen people into their police and armed forces, according to the organization.
—
Edward Harris, USA TODAY, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for armed forces ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-06-24--16-08-26-f2gnl/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'armed forces.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1625, in the meaning defined above
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 7 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
armed forces
plural noun
: the military, naval, and air forces of a nation
More from Merriam-Webster on armed forces
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share