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
Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
The president said on Monday that the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Russia if there is no peace deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 July 2025
But leaders such as Moore could bridge the warring factions within his party.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for war
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Noun
Throughout history, technological advantages have altered the course of wars, sometimes suddenly.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
The president said on Monday that the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Russia if there is no peace deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Verb
Now college kids, young couple Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly) find a way to bring together the warring factions of Daywalkers and Vampires for everybody's well-being.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 July 2025
But leaders such as Moore could bridge the warring factions within his party.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 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 19 Jul. 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
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