What does nonmilitary mean?
Nonmilitary means outside the armed forces or unconnected with military activity. It may describe a person, as in “nonmilitary personnel,” but it is also used for organizations, purposes, operations, and objects that are not military in character. For example, an airfield designed for nonmilitary transport can also have an important civilian role, while nonmilitary research may use technology originally developed for defense. The term is especially useful when the contrast with military activity matters but the more familiar word “civilian” is too narrow. “Civilian” usually identifies a person as belonging to the civilian population, whereas “nonmilitary” can modify a wider range of nouns. In general British and American usage, “nonmilitary” is normal but less frequent than related terms such as “civilian,” and the hyphenated spelling “non-military” is also common.
adjectiveNot belonging to the armed forces or a military organization; not involving military activity, personnel, or use.
- Not belonging to the armed forces or a military organization.
- Not involving military activity, personnel, purposes, or use.
"The airfield was initially constructed for nonmilitary transport."
"Several nonmilitary employees remained at the base while the unit was deployed."
"The technology was originally developed for nonmilitary research."
“Nonmilitary” is how the same word can describe both a person and a purpose: a nonmilitary pilot may fly the same aircraft for civilian transport.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonmilitary come from?
The word combines the English prefix “non-,” meaning “not,” with “military,” which came through Middle French from Latin militaris, an adjective derived from miles, meaning “soldier.” The compound “nonmilitary” was formed in English by applying “non-” to “military.” The Latin military root also appears in related English words such as “militant” and “militia.”
How nonmilitary is actually used
This word is normally used attributively, as in “nonmilitary personnel” or “nonmilitary use.” It is less common than “civilian” when describing an individual person. The closed form “nonmilitary” and the hyphenated form “non-military” are both used, although hyphenation can make the adjective relationship clearer.
Easily confused with nonmilitary
Civilian usually refers specifically to a person who is not a member of the armed forces, whereas nonmilitary can also describe an activity, organization, purpose, or item outside military use.