Department of Defense

noun

1. the department of the U.S. federal government charged with ensuring that the military capacity of the U.S. is adequate to safeguard the national security. DOD

Department of Defense

1. A department of the federal executive branch entrusted with formulating military policies and maintaining American military forces. Its top official is the civilian secretary of defense. It is headquartered in the Pentagon.

Example Sentences

The BBC has seen the text of the executive order, which says: "The name 'Department of War' conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to 'Department of Defense,' which emphasizes only defensive capabilities."

From BBC

The Department of Defense declined to comment on the letter to The Times, saying it would “respond directly” to Padilla and Schiff.

From Los Angeles Times

The Department of Defense declined to comment when reached by the Post.

From Salon

The US Department of Defense has provided its own figure looking at all spending on Operation Atlantic Resolve - a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

From BBC

If launches qualify as federal activities, Space Force, a branch of the Department of Defense, can proceed without coastal commission permits and only needs to attempt mitigation agreements.

From Los Angeles Times