# wartime

/ˈwɔɹˌtaɪm/ (US) · /wˈɔːtaɪm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wartime
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

the period of time when a country is at war. It describes the special conditions or rules that happen during a conflict.

For teachers: the period during which a country or region is engaged in an armed conflict. Often used as a modifier before another noun to describe conditions specific to that era.

## Examples

- Life was very difficult for families during wartime.
- The government introduced strict rationing of food and fuel during wartime to support the military effort.
- Historians often examine how social norms shift during wartime, as the immediate needs of national survival frequently override individual liberties and traditional economic structures.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as an attributive noun (e.g., 'wartime economy', 'wartime leader').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.