armies

Noun

army (plural armies)

1. A large, highly organized military force, concerned mainly with ground (rather than air or naval) operations.
   • An army never can be commanded or controlled by civilians.1858, Prince George, letter to Sir Colin Campbell
   1. Used absolutely for that entire branch of the armed forces.
      • The army received a bigger share of this year's budget increase than the navy or air force.
   2. (capitalized, often) Within a vast military, a very large tactical contingent (e.g. a number of divisions).
      • The Fourth Army suffered such losses that its remainders were merged into the Second Army, also deployed on the Western front.
2. The governmental agency in charge of a state's army.
   • The army opposed the legislature's involvement.
3. (figuratively) A large group of people working toward the same purpose.
   • It took an army of accountants to uncover the fraud.
4. (collective, figuratively) A large group of animals, especially caterpillars or social insects working toward the same purpose.
   • Our house is being attacked by an army of ants.

See all 12 meanings of army