basic training

noun

: the initial period of training of a military recruit

Examples of basic training in a Sentence

Our son is in basic training.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most of them returned home on leave after basic training only to be deployed to Vietnam. Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025 The move comes on the heels of the Air Force confirming Saturday that course instruction about the Tuskegee Airmen − the more than 15,000 Black pilots, mechanics and cooks in the segregated Army of World War II − had been pulled from basic training curriculum. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 In January, the three-time Olympian now known as Airman Alvarez graduated from basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland as a member of the World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, which was established to help elite competitors continue training while also serving their country. Johnny Dodd, People.com, 10 May 2025 Destroyers and frigates typically require a year to reach initial operational capability by undergoing various basic training exercises, Wang added. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for basic training

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basic training was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

“Basic training.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic%20training. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

basic training

noun
: the first part of training for a military recruit

More from Merriam-Webster on basic training

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