Meaning & use
militia
A military force made up of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers, often mobilized in emergencies.
See it in a sentence
The colonial militia gathered quickly to defend the town from the approaching raiders.
Local militias were formed to protect villages when regular troops were unavailable.
A note on using this word
Unlike a standing army, a militia is typically composed of part-time volunteers who train occasionally and are called up only when needed.
Words with a similar meaning
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