Department of Defense

American  

noun

1. the department of the U.S. federal government charged with ensuring that the military capacity of the U.S. is adequate to safeguard the national security. DOD

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Department of Defense Cultural  

1. A department of the federal executive branch entrusted with formulating military policies and maintaining American military forces. Its top official is the civilian secretary of defense. It is headquartered in the Pentagon.

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Example Sentences

In late April, President Donald Trump requested a record-breaking $1.5 trillion defense budget, which, if approved, would mark the largest ever increase in Department of Defense funding.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

He concurrently worked as a federal agent for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, which investigates fraud and abuse in Department of Defense programs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The Department of Defense worked closely with the Justice Department and law-enforcement authorities like the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Detractors have been particularly troubled by OpenAI's decision to provide its know-how to the US Department of Defense.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Your sister, Celie Dear Nettie, The only piece of mail Mr. ever put directly in my hand is a telegram that come from the United States Department of Defense.

From "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker