military

MIL-i-tair-ee/ˈmɪl.ɪˌtɛɹ.i/UKMIL-i-tree/ˈmɪl.ɪ.tɹɪ/

Noun pluralmilitary, militaries

4 meanings of military

1
adjective
Connected with soldiers, the armed forces, or war.
Her older brother joined a military academy after high school.
The country increased its military spending last year.
Similarmartial
Oppositecivilian, civil
2
armed forcesnouncountable
A country's armed forces, thought of as one group.
The military protects the country during times of war.
Many young people join the military to serve their country.
UsageSay join the military or in the military.
Similarforces, force
3
adjectivedated
Having to do with armies and the soldiers who fight on land.

Less common meaning

4
like a soldieradjective
Showing the qualities typical of soldiers, such as discipline and a strict, orderly manner.
He stood with a stiff, military posture at the doorway.
She gave orders in a sharp, military tone.
UsageSay with military precision.
Similarsoldierly, martial, disciplined

Practice

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Origin

It goes back to the Latin word mīlitāris, which came from mīles, "soldier." It reached English through Old French.