call to arms

noun phrase

Synonyms of call to armsnext
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
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.
For some among the new generation of answering their country's call to arms, a bitter lesson from Dutch history is motivating them. ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026 Members of the historic pacifist churches like the Quakers, the Mennonites and the Brethren had tough choices to make after hearing the declaration’s call to arms. Thomas Tweed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026 This press release reads like a call to arms. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026 In its brevity and punchiness, Arteta’s pre-match call to arms seemed to heed its own message. Jack Lang, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call to arms

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Call to arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20to%20arms. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on call to arms

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster