call to arms

noun phrase

1
: a summons to engage in active hostilities
2
: a summons, invitation, or appeal to undertake a particular course of action
a political call to arms

Examples of call to arms 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.
Some have taken the call to arms a bit more literally, with incidents involving Molotov cocktails and vandalism at dealerships. Chandra Steele, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025 In his acceptance speech for winning best director, Baker issued a call to arms over the touchy subject of how long a title plays exclusively in theaters before going to homes. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025 The captain’s call to arms was answered emphatically. James Pearce, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 Thus, the president’s inaction indirectly served as a powerful call to arms that further escalated ISIS’ cause. Jacob Olidort, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2015 See All Example Sentences for call to arms

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call to arms was in 1702

Cite this Entry

“Call to arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20to%20arms. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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