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

See Examples For:

War Department

At the time, the War Department recognized schools such as Pennsylvania Military College and LSU as distinguished military colleges based on an annual formal inspection of their corps of cadets programs, facilities and instruction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 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

In the end, the president will get his War Department.

From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2025

At the War Department, William’s star was rising.

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

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