standing army

noun

1. a permanently organized military force maintained by a nation.

standing army

noun

1. a permanent army of paid soldiers maintained by a nation

Word History and Origins

Origin of standing army¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

While permanent standing armies existed since World War I, military spending was now central to both industrial strength and economic prosperity.

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It appears that the country's leader Kim Jong Un has directed much of his limited resources into missiles and nuclear weapons rather than his standing army.

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He also took aim at the prime minister for announcing a "standing army" of specialist police officers to help tackle the disorder.

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After chairing an emergency Cobra meeting of ministers and senior police chiefs, Sir Keir announced a "standing army" of specialist officers to tackle the disorder.

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Sir Keir did not explain what he meant by a standing army.

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