battle cry

American  

noun

1. a cry or shout of troops in battle.

2. the phrase or slogan used in any contest or campaign.

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battle cry British  

noun

1. a shout uttered by soldiers going into battle

2. a slogan used to rally the supporters of a campaign, movement, etc

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Etymology

Origin of battle cry

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

battle cry

When one chase scene halts as the stop-motion pursuers squabble about their battle cry, the evident labor in the aside elbows us to run with the idea that movements sabotage themselves.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

"You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry," she said.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2025

The first line of “Hard Headed Woman,” the new record from Margo Price, begins with a battle cry.

From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2025

In today’s real-world context, Mr. Kerry’s battle cry is silly and self-destructive.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 26, 2023

A fierce battle cry rose from the sea of avatars around us and they all surged forward, converging on the Sixer army from every direction.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline