wartime

noun

war·​time ˈwȯr-ˌtīm How to pronounce wartime (audio)
often attributive
: a period during which a war is in progress
rationing during wartime

Examples of wartime in a Sentence

Many goods were rationed during wartime.
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.
Federal military forces are generally not allowed to be used for civilian law enforcement unless there is an emergency, usually determined with an 18th-century wartime law called the Insurrection Act. Martha McHardy Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 An 18th-century wartime law called the Insurrection Act is the main legal mechanism that a president can use to activate the military or National Guard during times of rebellion or unrest. Rebecca Boone, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 The Administration invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to conduct expedited removals, a use of the obscure 18th-century wartime law that has faced widespread legal challenges and bipartisan concern. Chantelle Lee, Time, 7 June 2025 Russia makes rare rate cut, signaling economic concerns Policymakers fear a red-hot wartime economy could tip into a downturn. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wartime

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wartime was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wartime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wartime. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

wartime

noun
war·​time ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌtīm How to pronounce wartime (audio)
: a period when a war is going on

More from Merriam-Webster on wartime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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