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

See Examples For:

National Guard

In response, Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed the National Guard, who now occupy facilities as a volunteer-only, long-term force.

From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026

It asked for help from the army and the National Guard to boost security in Zacatecas.

From Barron's ● Aug. 9, 2026

Between stops, he watched National Guard helicopters fly in vital drinking water.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

Saavedra said a National Guard soldier tried to impede the team’s vehicle on the outskirts of the disaster epicenter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

The National Guard was everywhere, and officials were insisting that the city was virtually empty.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers