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.
Egypt's extended experience in peacekeeping missions in Africa and elsewhere provides crucial support to the counterterrorism capabilities of the Somali armed forces and the concerted efforts of the Somali government and people to rebuild their country. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 The defense ministry has said that control of the armed forces legally remains with Yoon. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 Born in 1925 to a poor family in Baltimore, Nick served in the armed forces before becoming a mason, a contractor and then a real estate developer, according to The New York Times. Kc Baker, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Taiwan’s armed forces had identified Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) vessels from the Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Command, as well as Coast Guard vessels entering the areas, the ministry said in statement. Wayne Chang, CNN, 9 Dec. 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 18 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!