militaria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˌmɪl.ɪˈteə.ri.ə/US/ˌmɪl.əˈter.i.ə/

Formal, Technical, Hobbyist

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Quick answer

What does “militaria” mean?

Military objects and memorabilia, especially those collected as historical artifacts or antiques.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Military objects and memorabilia, especially those collected as historical artifacts or antiques.

The hobby or field of collecting military-related items such as uniforms, weapons, medals, and equipment, often from past conflicts.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties.

Connotations

Neutral, with associations to history, collecting, auctions, and museums.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in specialist contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “militaria” in a Sentence

specialise in + militariaan auction of + militariaa collection of + militaria

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
collect militariamilitaria fairmilitaria dealermilitaria auction
medium
historical militariarare militariamilitaria collectionmilitaria market
weak
war militariaold militariabuy militariasell militaria

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in the context of auction houses, antique dealers, and online marketplaces.

Academic

Used in historical, museological, or material culture studies.

Everyday

Rarely used; might appear in conversations about hobbies or history.

Technical

Standard term in collecting, museum curation, and military history circles.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “militaria”

Strong

martialia

Neutral

military antiquesmilitary collectibles

Weak

war relicsmilitary memorabilia

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “militaria”

pacifist artifactsciviliana

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “militaria”

  • Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a militaria' is incorrect). Treating it as synonymous with active military equipment.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a plural noun but can be used with a singular or plural verb, similar to 'data' or 'media'.

Typically no. It strongly connotes historical, antique, or collectible items, not currently issued gear.

'Militaria' is a subset of 'memorabilia' specifically related to military history.

Yes, this is a common and correct way to refer to a single item within the category.

Military objects and memorabilia, especially those collected as historical artifacts or antiques.

Militaria is usually formal, technical, hobbyist in register.

Militaria: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪl.ɪˈteə.ri.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪl.əˈter.i.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'military' + 'ia' (as in 'memorabilia') = objects from the military.

Conceptual Metaphor

HISTORY IS A COLLECTIBLE OBJECT.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The antique shop on the high street has started to stock alongside its usual furniture.
Multiple Choice

What does 'militaria' primarily refer to?