wartime

American  

[wawr-tahym] / ˈwɔrˌtaɪm /

noun

1. a time or period of war.

   Strict travel regulations apply only in wartime.

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adjective

1. caused by, characteristic of, or occurring during war.

   wartime shortages.

wartime British  

/ ˈwɔːˌtaɪm /

noun

1. 1. a period or time of war

   2. ( as modifier )

      wartime conditions

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Etymology

Origin of wartime

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at war ¹, time

Example Sentences

A massive tech selloff roiled Korean stock indices over the past month, as the severity of wartime shortages became clear.

From Slate • Jul. 2, 2026

Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, the ex-military chief said the UK's next leader would need to operate "almost like a wartime prime minister" in light of global threats.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026

The automobile conglomerate converted from civilian manufacturing to wartime production, becoming part of America’s arsenal of democracy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Now, with algorithms controlling not just weapons but entire military networks, humans are ceding wartime judgment to machines on an unprecedented scale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

Sent to France to negotiate a wartime alliance, he arrived in Paris just when the French ministry was ready to entertain such an idea.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis