standing army

American  

noun

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

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standing army British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of standing army

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

In the post-World War II era of standing armies, presidents enjoy substantial freedom of action in military affairs.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the Berlin Wall came down and the Soviet Union collapsed, the need for a large standing army seemed like a thing of the past.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Founders worried that the U.S. could be undermined by a powerful standing army.

From The Wall Street Journal

It commits a higher proportion of GDP to defense than any other EU member, and maintains the bloc’s largest standing army.

From The Wall Street Journal

Today the country has its smallest standing army since the Napoleonic wars.

From The Wall Street Journal