standing army

noun

1. a permanently organized military force maintained by a nation.

standing army

noun

1. a permanent army of paid soldiers maintained by a nation

Word History and Origins

Origin of standing army¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

He also took aim at the prime minister for announcing a "standing army" of specialist police officers to help tackle the disorder.

From BBC

After chairing an emergency Cobra meeting of ministers and senior police chiefs, Sir Keir announced a "standing army" of specialist officers to tackle the disorder.

From BBC

Sir Keir announced on Monday a "standing army" of specialist police officers would be ready to be deployed in the event of further riots.

From BBC

On June 28, 1914, the day that Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, the major European powers all had large standing armies.

From Literature

Haiti hasn’t had a standing army or a well-funded and robust national police force for decades.

From Seattle Times