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.

---

Example Sentences

When asked to comment, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement: “It is the duty of the War Department to ensure that the commander-in-chief has every possible military option at his disposal.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 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

He has also reportedly called for the Defence Department to be renamed the War Department and for a 10-year ban on generals working as defence contractors after leaving the military.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2024

He's an analyst for the War Department in World War II, probably because of his language skills.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2024

No one now outside of the War Department knew the quality and duration of his service.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck