militia

noun

mi·​li·​tia mə-ˈli-shə 

plural militias

1

a

: a part of the organized armed forces of a country liable to call only in emergency

The militia was called to quell the riot.

b

: a body of citizens organized for military service

2

: the whole body of able-bodied male citizens declared by law as being subject to call to military service

3

: a private group of armed individuals that operates as a paramilitary force and is typically motivated by a political or religious ideology

specifically : such a group that aims to defend individual rights against government authority that is perceived as oppressive

Examples of militia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prior to the earthquake, the military was battling the Kachin Independence Army militia group. —David Rising, Time, 4 Apr. 2025

Prior to the earthquake the military was battling the Kachin Independence Army militia group. —David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

On Friday, authorities confirmed Machar’s arrest, accusing him of encouraging the militia to overrun a military base in Nasir and attack a UN helicopter. —Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025

The province hosts a sizable Hezbollah presence, along with a number of Palestinian militias who have also participated in the fight against Israel. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, military service, from milit-, miles

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for militia

• adventitia
• vicia

Kids Definition

militia

noun

mi·​li·​tia mə-ˈlish-ə 

: a body of citizens with some military training who are called to active duty only in an emergency