often attributive
1
a(1)
: a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations
(2)
: a period of such armed conflict
(3)
b
: the art or science of warfare
c(1)
obsolete
: weapons and equipment for war
(2)
archaic
: soldiers armed and equipped for war
2
a
: a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism
b
: a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end
a class war
a war against disease
c
warred; warring
Examples of war in a Sentence
Noun
They fought a war over the disputed territory.
A war broke out when the colonists demanded their independence.
We need to resolve our conflicts without resorting to war.
People behave differently during a time of war.
The taking of American hostages was seen as an act of war by the United States.
the budget wars in Washington
Verb (1)
continually warring against their neighbors in an effort to expand their territory
Recent Examples on the Web
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Francis was outspoken in his stance against war and appeals for peace, including calling for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
This could result in a dangerous escalation of conflict between warring factions.
—Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
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.
Noun
Royals celebrate Easter: King Charles and Queen Camilla step out with family
On April 17, the king used his annual Easter message to reflect on war, human suffering and the heroism of those who risk their lives to help others.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Francis was outspoken in his stance against war and appeals for peace, including calling for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
State affairs like a papal funeral typically bring even warring political rivals together.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
This could result in a dangerous escalation of conflict between warring factions.
—Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
Cite this Entry
“War.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
war
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a state or period of armed hostile conflict between states, nations, or groups
b
: the science of warfare
2
a
: a state of hostility, antagonism, or conflict
b
: a struggle between opposing forces or for a particular goal
a war on disease
war
2 of 2 verb
warred; warring
1
: to engage in warfare
warring nations
2
: to be in conflict
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share