English Reference
noun · verb

war

n. · v.
US /ˈwɔɹ/ UK /wˈɔː/ war UK spelling war's, war's, warred

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Military

    n.a period of fighting between countries or groups using military force.

    n.a state of organized, large-scale armed conflict between nations, states, or sizeable ethnic groups.

    Simple

    The two countries have been at war for over three years.

    In context

    Historians continue to debate the complex geopolitical factors that eventually led the empire to declare war on its northern neighbours.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a strong and organized effort to stop something bad or dangerous.

    n.a sustained and vigorous campaign or struggle against a specific social, political, or economic issue.

    Simple

    The government has announced a new war on drugs to improve safety.

    In context

    The administration's war on poverty involved a series of legislative reforms aimed at providing better access to education and healthcare.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Business

    n.a situation where people or companies compete very hard against each other.

    n.a state of intense competition or hostility between rival entities, such as businesses or political factions.

    Simple

    The two supermarket chains are in a price war to attract more customers.

    In context

    The bidding war for the tech startup drove the final acquisition price far beyond its initial market valuation.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a simple card game where players try to win all the cards.

    n.a card game of chance where players simultaneously reveal cards and the higher value wins the round.

    Simple

    The children spent the rainy afternoon playing war with a deck of cards.

    In context

    While war is a game of pure luck, it remains a popular way to teach young children the relative values of playing cards.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    v.to be in a state of conflict or to fight with someone.

    v.to engage in a war or a sustained struggle; often used to describe internal or ideological conflict.

    Simple

    He felt like two different parts of his personality were warring with each other.

    In context

    The novel depicts a protagonist warring against the restrictive social conventions of the Victorian era.

    Usage

    often takes the preposition 'with' or 'against'

Usage war crimes · war began · war effort

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated