call to arms

noun phrase

1
: a summons to engage in active hostilities
2
: a summons, invitation, or appeal to undertake a particular course of action
a political call to arms

Examples of call to arms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Overall, the track feels like a call to arms toward Kendrick’s idea of a better world. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2024 In the book, Cole lasts through much of the Targaryen civil war – sorry, Team Black! – and is killed during a battle called the Butcher's Ball by a mix of soldiers from the River Lands and Northmen supporting Cregan Stark's call to arms in support of Rhaenyra. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2024 Now, almost 250 years later, Americans are hearing a new call to arms. Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 27 May 2024 That’s no accident on a bench stacked by Trump with the explicit call to arms to blend religion—specifically, Christianity—with the rule of law. Philip Elliott, TIME, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for call to arms 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'call to arms.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call to arms was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near call to arms

Cite this Entry

“Call to arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20to%20arms. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on call to arms

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