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

In speeches, Storms has advocated for Christian men to form militias and train continuously for combat. —Odette Yousef, NPR, 8 May 2025

Before Putin appointed him, Kadyrov led his father's militia. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

Not just in supplying missiles to the Houthis but other weapons to proxy militias and Shahed drone parts for use against Ukraine. —Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. —Aniruddha Ghosal, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 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