Military
/ˈmɪl.ɪ.tər.i/noun
Relating to soldiers, armed forces, or warfare.
Did you know?In Latin, *miles* meant “soldier,” and *militia* originally meant “military service” or “the body of soldiers,” so the modern word preserves the ancient idea of organized service under arms.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mel-
“To engage in hard work, be strong, or exert oneself”
Latin
Latin
miles
“Soldier”
Latin
Latin
militāris
“Of a soldier; military”
Old French
Old French
militaire
“Military; pertaining to soldiers”
Middle English
English
militarie
“Relating to soldiers or warfare”
Modern English
English
military
“Relating to soldiers, armed forces, or warfare”