National Guard

American  

noun

1. state military forces, in part equipped, trained, and quartered by the U.S. government, and paid by the U.S. government, that become an active component of the army when called into federal service by the president in civil emergencies.

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National Guard British  

noun

1. (sometimes not capitals) the armed force, first commanded by Lafayette, that was established in France in 1789 and existed intermittently until 1871

2. (in the US) a state military force that can be called into federal service by the president

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National Guard Cultural  

1. The volunteer military forces of each state, which the governor of a state can summon in times of civil disorder or natural disaster. Through congressional and presidential order, the National Guard can be called into service in the regular United States army.

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Example Sentences

Additionally, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to bolster the immigration agencies swarming the area.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Landry, an ex-police officer and businessman who also served with the National Guard in the Gulf War, doesn’t have prior foreign policy experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Today, camouflaged National Guard troops patrol Uruapan with rifles nestled, or cruise the streets in pickup trucks mounted with machine guns.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

There has been a renewed focus on strengthening the National Guard, boosting intelligence, and targeted troop deployments.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

The Arkansas National Guard remained at Central High, and hooligans rampaged through the streets.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals