world war

noun

: a war engaged in by all or most of the principal nations of the world
especially, World War : either of two such wars of the first half of the 20th century

Examples of world war in a Sentence

He fought in both World Wars. The nations were prepared for world war.
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.
Now, militaries are relearning the lessons of both world wars: major conflicts can still turn into slugfests, and industrial capacity is decisive. Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 The boxcar’s exterior will return to its 1949 appearance, while the interior will be renovated to house a traveling exhibition about the Merci Train and the railroad’s role in both world wars more broadly. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 And Louis Vuitton survived two world wars and established its place as a leading luxury brand by focusing on blending timeless heritage and modernity to let customers experience different forms of high-quality luxury. Naresh Prajapati, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 The Alien Enemies Act, passed in 1798, has been used only three times in American history – during the War of 1812 and the two world wars – making its modern application by the Trump administration a rare legal maneuver. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for world war

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of world war was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“World war.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world%20war. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

world war

noun
: a war involving all or most of the chief nations of the world
especially, capitalized both Ws : either of two such wars of the 20th century

More from Merriam-Webster on world war

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