militia
noun
mi·li·tia
mə-ˈli-shə 
plural militias
1
a
: a part of the organized armed forces of a country liable to call only in emergency
The militia was called to quell the riot.
b
: a body of citizens organized for military service
2
: the whole body of able-bodied male citizens declared by law as being subject to call to military service
3
: a private group of armed individuals that operates as a paramilitary force and is typically motivated by a political or religious ideology
specifically
: such a group that aims to defend individual rights against government authority that is perceived as oppressive
Examples of militia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The slogan, popular since 2009, reflects opposition to Iran’s backing for militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
—
Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026
The paramilitary Basij militia is often deployed by the regime to suppress protests.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
Kurdish officials have also raised concerns about funding shortages, manpower strain and pressure from rival militias operating nearby.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
In Lebanon, Israel has been hitting Hezbollah and accusing the Beirut government of lagging in its promise to prevent the militia from rearming and regrouping at the border.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for militia
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Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026
The paramilitary Basij militia is often deployed by the regime to suppress protests.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
Kurdish officials have also raised concerns about funding shortages, manpower strain and pressure from rival militias operating nearby.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
In Lebanon, Israel has been hitting Hezbollah and accusing the Beirut government of lagging in its promise to prevent the militia from rearming and regrouping at the border.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for militia
Cite this Entry
“Militia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/militia. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
militia
noun
mi·li·tia
mə-ˈlish-ə
: a body of citizens with some military training who are called to active duty only in an emergency
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