Unknown Soldier

American  

noun

1. an unidentified soldier killed in battle and buried with honors, the tomb serving as a memorial to all the unidentified dead of a nation's armed forces. The tomb of the American Unknown Soldier, commemorating a serviceman killed in World War I, was established in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in 1921. In 1958, the remains of personnel of World War II and the Korean War were buried alongside the tomb (now called theTomb of the Unknowns ). In 1984, a serviceman of the Vietnam War was interred next to the others.

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Unknown Soldier British  

noun

1. (in various countries) an unidentified soldier who has died in battle and for whom a tomb is established as a memorial to other unidentified dead of the nation's armed forces

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Etymology

Origin of Unknown Soldier

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

President Donald Trump marked Veterans Day with a high-profile ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier alongside Vice President J. D.

From Salon • Nov. 11, 2025

Every hour on the hour, day and night, Greek soldiers change the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.

From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025

All court cases take one billion years, giving TikTok more time to teach American tweens what quirky memes to perform atop the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while dressed like 9/11.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2024

Near the Kremlin walls they lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2024

In a way you combine a popular hero with an Unknown Soldier element.

From Medal of Honor by Bernklau