constabulary

1 of 2

adjective

con·​stab·​u·​lary kən-ˈsta-byə-ˌler-ē How to pronounce constabulary (audio)
-ˌle-rē
: of or relating to a constable or constabulary

constabulary

2 of 2

noun

plural constabularies
1
: the organized body of constables of a particular district or country
2
: an armed police force organized on military lines but distinct from the regular army

Examples of constabulary in a Sentence

Noun all members of the local constabulary were on the alert for the escaped convict
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Although the capabilities needed to win such fights should not be abandoned, Israel’s naval commanders will need to broaden the rationale for the force to include playing diplomatic and constabulary roles and participating in international maritime security operations. Ehud Eiran, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2013 The Marine Corps need not grow so much as continue to modernize its combat kit to match the new threat environment and the concept of operations that would be required while operating with allies that have smaller, constabulary militaries, within range of Chinese missiles. Jerry Hendrix, National Review, 17 Mar. 2022 But as the Ukrainians launched a broad counteroffensive starting in late August, even constabulary units came under fire. David Axe, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2022
Noun
With Ida Engvoll as Rebecka, a Stockholm lawyer back in her small hometown after the death of a friend, and Eva Melander as Mella, chief inspector of the local constabulary, who appropriates her semi-formally to the force. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2023 Angry protesters did not gather outside the local constabulary, decrying a witch hunt. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 13 June 2023 They were made for zipping around on country lanes at a pace that feels criminal but won't raise concern with the constabulary. Brendan McAleer, Car and Driver, 11 Mar. 2023 Then, at the last checkpoint before the open desert, the local constabulary stopped our three-car convoy, whereupon the lead driver was obligated to hand over . . . Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 31 Jan. 2023 Plus, if that interested influencer is any indication, the local constabulary will likely direct their attention to the Aston instead. Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 25 Nov. 2022 The men learn this news from a local politico at the speakeasy and race home to find that Claudia, tipsy from the alcohol in the blood of her latest victim, has let the local constabulary in to search. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2022 The third battalion, staffed with short-term conscripts, is a brigade’s constabulary and training base. David Axe, Forbes, 18 July 2022 Given America’s changed geopolitical circumstances and the Navy’s evident disinterest in continuing its traditional constabulary missions, the Coast Guard needs to grow. Craig Hooper, Forbes, 23 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constabulary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1824, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constabulary was circa 1715

Dictionary Entries Near constabulary

Cite this Entry

“Constabulary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constabulary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constabulary

noun
con·​stab·​u·​lary
kən-ˈstab-yə-ˌler-ē
plural constabularies
1
: an organized body of constables or of police officers
2
: a police force organized like the military

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