armed forces
Americanplural noun
plural noun
Etymology
Origin of armed forces
First recorded in 1685–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The diversion request was granted last year after Perry argued that he suffers from mental health issues due to his time in the armed forces, Ilacqua said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
"We are on a war footing and all our armed forces are fully ready, with all their resources and equipment, to confront any enemy," he said.
From Barron's • May 24, 2026
He argued the armed forces must return to what he described as a more disciplined, combat-focused identity centered on what he called a “warrior ethos.”
From Salon • May 24, 2026
At the time, Raúl was Cuba's armed forces minister and one of the most powerful figures in his brother's regime.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
The armed forces were there to uphold the democratic process, and all was peaceful on a spring day more sprightly and sunny than usual.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
