military march: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Musical/Military)
Quick answer
What does “military march” mean?
A piece of music with a strong, regular rhythm, specifically composed for marching soldiers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of music with a strong, regular rhythm, specifically composed for marching soldiers.
Any structured, purposeful, and rhythmic movement or progression resembling organized military movement; can metaphorically describe a rigid, unstoppable process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. The compound noun 'military march' is standard.
Connotations
Connotes discipline, tradition, patriotism, and sometimes inflexibility or aggression.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both contexts when discussing music or ceremonial proceedings.
Grammar
How to Use “military march” in a Sentence
The band performed a [military march].They began their [military march] at dawn.The [military march] echoed through the square.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “military march” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cadets will military-march past the saluting base.
- They military-marched for miles in full kit.
American English
- The unit military-marched through the town in the Veterans Day parade.
- We watched the guards military-march in perfect unison.
adverb
British English
- They moved military-march precisely through the manoeuvres.
- The paperwork proceeded military-march through the departments.
American English
- The team worked military-march efficiently to meet the deadline.
- The procession advanced military-march down the avenue.
adjective
British English
- The military-march tempo was set by the drum major.
- He has a very military-march gait about him.
American English
- The event opened with a military-march cadence.
- Her leadership style was described as military-march efficient.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could metaphorically describe a rigid, company-wide implementation plan: 'The new policy rollout was a military march, leaving no room for deviation.'
Academic
Used in historical, musicological, or sociological studies of ceremony, discipline, and national identity.
Everyday
Understood but not common. Likely used when describing parades, ceremonies, or film scenes.
Technical
Precise term in musicology for a genre, and in military science for a type of drill.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “military march”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “military march”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “military march”
- Using 'military march' to describe any fast-paced walk (use 'brisk walk' or 'power walk'). Confusing it with 'marching orders' (which are instructions).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it primarily refers to the music, but it can also describe the style or act of marching in a military fashion, especially in compound verbs or adjectival uses.
A 'march' is a broader term for any music in march time or the act of walking purposefully. A 'military march' is a specific subgenre composed for or associated with military ceremonies, drill, or combat, implying a specific rhythmic structure and instrumental style (often brass and percussion).
Yes. While often neutral or positive (patriotic, disciplined), it can metaphorically imply rigid, unthinking conformity, relentless pressure, or aggressive advancement.
John Philip Sousa (USA), Kenneth J. Alford (UK), Julius Fučík (Czech), and many military bandmasters across Europe and the Americas.
A piece of music with a strong, regular rhythm, specifically composed for marching soldiers.
Military march is usually formal, technical (musical/military) in register.
Military march: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪl.ɪ.tri ˈmɑːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪl.ɪ.ter.i ˈmɑːrtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “March to the beat of your own drum (contrasting idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine MILITARY soldiers on a MARCH, keeping perfect time to loud, rhythmic music.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS REGULAR MOTION (the beat of the march structures time); ORGANIZATION IS MILITARY DISCIPLINE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as a 'military march'?