active duty

American  

noun

Military.

1. the status of full-time service.

   on active duty.

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active duty Idioms  

1. Full-time service, as in Julian is 81, but he still comes to the office every day and is very much on active duty. This term comes from the military, where it stands in opposition to reserve, which refers to troops still in the military but not actively engaged. It is occasionally transferred to civilian matters as well. [First half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

active duty

Shaw, then still on active duty, led the American delegation.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

The post of army secretary is the top civilian leader of the US Army, directing active duty troops, along with the National Guard and reserve soldiers.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

“In Iran, hospitality is like an active duty and honor. Even if your biggest enemy is at your doorstep, you risk your life to protect them,” Wilson said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

Van Dyke has been an active duty soldier in the US since 2008 and has been a master sergeant with the US Army Special Forces since 2023, according to the indictment.

From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026

All the officers had reported for active duty, leaving the two of them behind at Riverbank, with less and less military code breaking coming their way.

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