armed forces

American  

plural noun

1. military, naval, and air forces, especially of a nation or of a number of nations.

---

armed forces British  

plural noun

1. the military forces of a nation or nations, including the army, navy, air force, marines, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of armed forces

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

While the act suspends Posse Comitatus, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the National Guard or armed forces would involve themselves directly in law-enforcement.

From The Wall Street Journal

In December, Britain's armed forces chief, Richard Knighton, issued a call for the country's "sons and daughters" to be "ready to fight" in the face of growing threats, including from Russia.

From Barron's

The changes will form part of legislation for the armed forces being published in parliament later.

From BBC

Sweden on Wednesday pledged to send armed forces to Greenland at Denmark's request.

From BBC

Last week, British armed forces supported the seizure of the Marinera which was stopped by the US Coast Guard as it travelled northwards through waters between Iceland and Scotland.

From BBC

Related Words

• military
• troops