marching orders

plural noun

: authoritative orders or instructions especially to set out on or as if on a march

Examples of marching orders in a Sentence

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.
Major league players are too perceptive to take a manager’s marching orders at face value. Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 According to Fugate and Gaynor, the full scope of the disastrous fires won’t set in for a while — but the marching orders are clear. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025 Trump needs to get his marching orders, and Putin wants to check in on his #1 asset. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 The Colombian striker kicked a water bottle in frustration after being given his marching orders for treading on Newcastle defender Fabian Schar. Callum Davis, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for marching orders

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marching orders was in 1714

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Cite this Entry

“Marching orders.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marching%20orders. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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