militia

American  

[mi-lish-uh] / mɪˈlɪʃ ə /

noun

1. a body of citizens enrolled for military service, and called out periodically for drill but serving full time only in emergencies.

2. a body of citizen soldiers as distinguished from professional soldiers.

3. all able-bodied males considered by law eligible for military service.

4. a body of citizens organized in a paramilitary group and typically regarding themselves as defenders of individual rights against the presumed interference of the federal government.

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militia British  

/ mɪˈlɪʃə /

noun

1. a body of citizen (as opposed to professional) soldiers

2. an organization containing men enlisted for service in emergency only

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Etymology

Origin of militia

1580–90; < Latin mīlitia soldiery, equivalent to mīlit- (stem of mīles ) soldier + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

Even Hezbollah, the Shia Muslim political party and militia considered a terrorist organisation by countries including the UK and US, conveyed its greetings.

From BBC

Michigan’s governor, in a reversal of the historical pattern, refused to use militia to retake the plant, forcing GM to recognize the UAW.

From The Wall Street Journal

Acled said in all four cases Fulani militia groups, locally called "bandits", were responsible for the kidnappings.

From BBC

“Not generally, and especially not after Oct. 7, we do not want to see armed militias in the vicinity of the border,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, is in desperate need of funds to rebuild and rearm its militia and pay other costs stemming from its bruising fight with Israel last year, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal