I. ˈmiləˌterē, -ri adjective
Etymology: Middle French militaire, from Latin militaris, from milit-, miles soldier + -aris -ar — more at militate
1. : of or relating to soldiers, arms, or war
the country's military needs
military draft
: belonging to, engaged in, or appropriate to the affairs of war
military parade
: according to the methods and customs of war or of organized fighting men
military discipline
— distinguished from civil
2.
a. : performed or made by armed forces
military expedition
b. : supported by armed force
military government
3. : of or relating to the army — distinguished from naval
II. noun
( plural military also militaries )
1. : armed forces : military branches of government
permit the military to control scientific research
different branches of the military
alarmed the militaries of both countries
coronation procession overweighted by military though it was — Manchester Guardian Weekly
2. : military persons ; especially : army officers
the military in the car gave … no salute as they drove off — William Sansom