War Department

American  

noun

U.S. History.

1. the department of the federal government that, from 1789 until 1947, was responsible for defense and the military establishment: in 1947 it became the Department of the Army, which became part of the Department of Defense when it was established in 1949.

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Example Sentences

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War Department

When asked to comment, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement: “It is the duty of the War Department to ensure that the commander-in-chief has every possible military option at his disposal.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 4, 2026

“The president has made it clear that you will not have a nuclear weapon. The War Department agrees,” Hegseth said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026

“The first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II. Like in that war back when we were still the War Department, we are fighting to win.”

From Barron's ● Mar. 6, 2026

He has also reportedly called for the Defence Department to be renamed the War Department and for a 10-year ban on generals working as defence contractors after leaving the military.

From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2024

It took some time to work out the details, but in December 1920, both William and Elizebeth secretly accepted positions with the War Department.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield