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.
Former armed forces minister Al Carns told an event Tuesday that he wanted to hear Burnham's "vision" for the country before deciding whether or not to stand.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
Noboa has used the armed forces to patrol major cities and take direct control of the federal prison system.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026
But sources inside the military have told AFP the armed forces were, like the population, divided on De la Espriella's plans.
From Barron's • Jun. 20, 2026
In March, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that British armed forces "are now able to board sanctioned vessels that are passing through our waters" which were not operating in accordance with international law.
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026
How could her husband be so calm when every branch of the armed forces was scrambling?
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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.
