An army (from Latin arma “arms, weapons” via Old French armée, “armed” (feminine)), in the broadest sense, is the land-based military branch, service branch or armed service of a nation or state. It may also include other branches of the military such as the air force via means of aviation corps. Within a national military force, the word army may also mean a field army an army composed of full-time career soldiers who 'stand over', in other words, who do not disband during times of peace. They differ from army reserves who are activated only during such times as war or natural disasters.

In several countries, the army is officially called the Land Army to differentiate it from an air force called the Air Army, notably France. In such countries, the word "army" on its own retains its connotation of a land force in common usage. The current largest army in the world, by number of active troops, is the People's Liberation Army of China with 2,250,000 active troops and 800,000 reserve personnel followed by the Indian Army with 1,325,000 active troops and 2,142,821 reserve personnel.

By definition, irregular military is understood in contrast to regular armies which grew slowly from personal bodyguards or elite militia.

Noun

army (plural armies)

1. A large, highly organized military force, concerned mainly with ground (rather than air or naval) operations

   The army was sent in to quell the uprising.

   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. (often capitalized) 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. (figuratively) A large group of social animals working toward the same purpose.

   Our house is being attacked by an army of ants.

5. (figuratively) Any multitude

   On sunny days the beaches draw armies of tourists of all kinds.

Synonyms

• host
• here
• ferd

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