marines
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A branch of a nation's armed forces trained for military operations at sea and on land: Specifically, a corps of soldiers who serve on naval ships and are also trained for amphibious warfare (landing on and fighting from coastlines). 2. The members of this branch collectively: Used with a plural verb to refer to the individual soldiers belonging to this force.
Usage
- The term "marines" (plural) is used to refer to the members of this force as a group.
- It is often capitalized ("Marines") when referring to a specific national corps, such as the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
- It functions as a plural noun. The singular form is "marine" (a member of the marines).
Examples
- As a collective force:
- The marines were deployed to secure the embassy.
- He served in the Marines for twenty years.
- Referring to individual members:
- Several marines were awarded medals for bravery.
- A marine stood guard at the post.
Advanced Usage
- "Tell it to the marines": This is a historical idiom expressing skepticism or disbelief, implying that only someone very gullible (like a marine who, stereotypically, had not traveled widely) would believe the story. Its modern use is rare and can be considered dated or humorous.
- "You caught a fish this big? Tell it to the marines!"
Variants and Related Words
- Marine (noun): A single member of the marines.
- She is a marine.
- Marine (adjective): Relating to the sea or ocean.
- Marine biology, marine life.
- Marine Corps: The official name for the organization of marines in some countries, most notably the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
Synonyms
- Soldier (general): A person who serves in an army. (Note: "Marines" are a specific type of soldier.)
- Troops: Soldiers, especially in large groups.
- Amphibious forces: A more technical term describing their primary combat function.
Related Phrases
- To join the marines: To enlist or become a member of the marine corps.
- After high school, he decided to join the marines.
- Marine expeditionary unit: A specific, rapid-response deployment unit within a marine corps.
Noun
- members of a body of troops trained to serve on land or at sea