noncombatant

noun

non·​com·​bat·​ant ˌnän-kəm-ˈba-tᵊnt How to pronounce noncombatant (audio)
also
ˌnän-ˈkäm-bə-tənt How to pronounce noncombatant (audio)
: one that does not engage in combat: such as
a
: a member (such as a chaplain) of the armed forces whose duties do not include fighting
b
noncombatant adjective

Examples of noncombatant in a Sentence

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.
However, the ministry has not differentiated between combatants and noncombatants in its figures. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Israel’s Bombing Rules: Surprised by Oct. 7 and fearful of another attack, Israel weakened safeguards meant to protect noncombatants, allowing officers to endanger up to 20 people in each airstrike. Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 Initial investigations of the event, Mears said, found noncombatants had been killed but excused the deaths as unintentional despite evidence to the contrary. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 29 Dec. 2024 Strikes against civilian areas and aid coordinators underscore the complex challenges of distinguishing militants from noncombatants in densely populated areas. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for noncombatant 

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of noncombatant was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near noncombatant

Cite this Entry

“Noncombatant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noncombatant. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

noncombatant

noun
non·​com·​ba·​tant
ˌnän-kəm-ˈbat-ᵊnt,
(ˈ)nän-ˈkäm-bət-ənt
1
: a member (as a chaplain) of the armed forces whose duties do not include fighting
2
noncombatant adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on noncombatant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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