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

After initially dismissing Machado and her ability to control the country's powerful armed forces and intelligence services, he said Tuesday that he would "love" to have her "involved in some way."

From Barron's

Gen. Alexander Sollfrank, head of the German armed forces Joint Force Command, said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal

The problem was in evidence earlier this month at the German armed forces’ “career lounge,” the first port of call in the German capital for people contemplating a military career.

From The Wall Street Journal

But with an estimated 2,000 members from all branches of the armed forces as well as the national guard, the national police and the secret police, it’s as big as a brigade.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• military
• troops