World War III

American  

noun

1. a hypothetical world war of the future, often conceived as a nuclear war resulting in the total destruction of the human race.

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Usage

What is World War III? World War III or World War Three (WW3) is a hypothetical, catastrophic global conflict.

Example Sentences

But perhaps World War III has now been meme-ified to the point of not meaning anything anymore.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

Static on the radio warns that World War III might be underway.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

These pages are full of people with anxieties and worries — from worrying about World War III to a retiree with $1 million who is riddled with financial security.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 10, 2025

“We debated health care and taxes, which is reasonable,” he said, adding, “Civil war? No. World War III? No, no, no.”

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2024

We can't have World War III breaking out.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins