combatant

American  

[kuhm-bat-nt, kom-buh-tuhnt, kuhm-] / kəmˈbæt nt, ˈkɒm bə tənt, ˈkʌm- /

noun

1. a nation engaged in active fighting with enemy forces.

2. a person or group that fights.

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adjective

1. combating; fighting.

   the combatant armies.

2. disposed to combat; combative.

combatant British  

/ ˈkʌm-, ˈkɒmbətənt /

noun

1. a person or group engaged in or prepared for a fight, struggle, or dispute

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adjective

1. engaged in or ready for combat

Usage

What does combatant mean? A combatant is one of the sides engaged in combat—active fighting. In war, enemy combatants are the opposing sides in the war or battle. In boxing and other martial arts, the two fighters can be called combatants. The word combat is sometimes used more broadly or figuratively to refer to active conflict between two people or groups, as in The two corporations are preparing to do combat in the courtroom. The sides in this kind of combat can also be called combatants. Less commonly, combatant can be used as an adjective meaning engaged in fighting. It can also mean inclined to fight, but the word combative is more commonly used in this way. Example: If diplomacy fails, the two nations could become enemy combatants.

Other Word Forms

• precombatant noun
• uncombatant adjective

Etymology

Origin of combatant

1425–75; late Middle English combataunt < Middle French combatant. See combat, -ant

Explanation

Someone who fights, especially in a war, is a combatant. Sometimes entire countries are described as combatants during military conflicts. Other names for a combatant are "fighter," "attacker," or "soldier." News stories are more likely to use this word to describe an adversary or enemy: "Enemy combatants ignored the cease fire." When they're talking about their own country's fighters, they might say "troops" or "soldiers." Combatant comes from the Old French combatant, "skilled at fighting" or "warlike."

Example Sentences

“They’re incredibly valuable. Every single combatant commander wants more.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

“At the end of the day, the government is going to go with systems that have been deployed, where combatant commanders swear by the fact that they want one of what we have,” Mengucci said.

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026

“If the aircraft flying above is not identifiable as a combatant aircraft, it should not be engaged in combatant activity.”

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that anyone fighting for Russia will be treated as an enemy combatant, and that the only safe route out is to surrender and be treated as a prisoner of war.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

In a blink, one combatant was unhorsed, the other reeling.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• adversary
• antagonist
• assailant
• attacker
• enemy
• serviceman
• soldier