What does "marines" mean?

1. (military branch) a military group trained to fight on land and at sea. 2. (individual soldiers) the individual soldiers who belong to a marine corps.

How do you use "marines"?

Often capitalised when referring to a specific national branch, such as the Royal Marines. Used as a countable plural noun.

marines

US //mɝˈinz// UK //məɹˈiːnz// marines

1 military branch (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a military group trained to fight on land and at sea.

A military force trained for amphibious warfare, typically serving as a specialised branch of a nation's navy.

Example

After finishing high school, he decided to join the marines to see the world.

Example

The marines were deployed to the coastal region to secure the harbour before the main army units arrived.

Usage

Often capitalised when referring to a specific national branch, such as the Royal Marines.

Teacher's tip

In the US, 'the Marines' refers specifically to the US Marine Corps, which is a distinct branch from the Army or Navy.
- marine corps
- amphibious forces
2 individual soldiers (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the individual soldiers who belong to a marine corps.

The plural form of marine, referring to individual members of an amphibious military unit.

Example

Several marines stood guard at the entrance to the embassy.

Example

A small group of marines remained behind to coordinate the evacuation of the remaining civilians from the shoreline.

Usage

Used as a countable plural noun.
- soldiers
- troops

Idioms1 entry

01
tell it to the marines
I do not believe what you said.

Last updated June 20, 2026