military
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɪlɪtəri/
US
- /ˈmɪləˌtɛri/
- /ˈmɪlɪˌtɛri/
Description
- relating to soldiers
- armed forces
- warfare
The word "military" is used for things connected with a country's armed forces. It can describe soldiers, bases, equipment, training, and the systems that support them. It is not only about fighting in war. It also includes planning, transport, medical support, and defense during times of peace.
You might hear about "military spending" when a country puts money into defense, or say that someone has a "military background" if they served in the armed forces. "The military" can also be used as a noun to mean the armed forces themselves. In some contexts, such as a "military coup," it refers to the armed forces taking control of a government by force. Overall, the word points to organized national defense and armed service.
The word "military" can be an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it means related to soldiers, the armed forces, war, defense, or organized fighting forces. As a noun, usually in the phrase "the military," it means the armed forces of a country as a whole.
It is a broad word that covers much more than soldiers in combat. It can include the people, equipment, training, buildings, transport systems, medical services, leadership, and planning that support national defense. Because of that, the word often appears in everyday phrases as well as in news, history, and politics.
You can see it in phrases like "military base," "military service," "military training," "military equipment," "military law," and "military action." In these cases, it describes something connected to the armed forces. In a sentence like "The military responded quickly," it names the armed forces themselves.
The word is often linked with war and force, but it is not limited to active fighting. It can also refer to defense, readiness, peacekeeping, and the structure a country keeps in place to protect itself. Depending on the context, it may suggest discipline, order, and strength, or it may raise questions about power and its use.
So, when you hear the word "military," think of the armed forces and everything connected to them, from soldiers and weapons to support work, training, and national defense.
Examples
- 1
Military service
Her brother is in the military, so he moves often.
Phrase
be in the military
serve as a soldier or officer
- 2
Military base
The town grew quickly after a large military base was built nearby.
- 3
National service
Many young people did military service after finishing school.
- 4
Job training
The job requires military training as well as technical skills.
- 5
Government spending
The government increased military spending after the border attack.
- 6
Military action
The president said military action would be a last resort.
Phrase
a last resort
something you do only when nothing else works
- 7
Political control
The country was under military rule for almost ten years.
Phrase
under military rule
controlled by the army rather than by elected leaders
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- militarynounadjective
Forms
- militariespluralnounadjective