warfare

noun

war·​fare ˈwȯr-ˌfer How to pronounce warfare (audio)
1
: military operations between enemies : hostilities, war
also : an activity undertaken by a political unit (such as a nation) to weaken or destroy another
economic warfare
2
: struggle between competing entities : conflict

see also biological warfare, chemical warfare, cyber warfare, germ warfare, trench warfare

Examples of warfare in a Sentence

that troubled household seems to be almost constantly in a state of warfare companies engaged in constant warfare for dominance in the market for smart phones and tablets
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This shift not only improves operational efficiency but also underscores the future of warfare: adaptable, decentralized, and less dependent on fossil fuels. Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 This is the kind of ideological warfare DeSantis has already seen repeatedly rejected by judges — conservative judges who actually believe in the U.S. Constitution and free speech. Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2025 On top of all that, the trailer teases some Succession-style corporate warfare involving Kate, her twin sister Maddie (Anna Camp), and half-brother Teddy (Griffin Matthews). Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025 The disheartening summer offensive offered another lesson, namely that maneuver warfare with large tanks and armored vehicles was not the way future wars would be fought. Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for warfare

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from werre, warre war + fare journey, passage — more at fare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of warfare was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Warfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warfare. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

warfare

noun
war·​fare ˈwȯr-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce warfare (audio)
-ˌfe(ə)r
1
a
: military fighting between enemies : war
b
: activity undertaken by one country or group to weaken or destroy another
economic warfare
2
: a struggle between competitors : conflict
industrial warfare

More from Merriam-Webster on warfare

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