This meaning refers to the national military group on land. Armies have soldiers and are organized to fight or defend a country.
The army protects the country.
He joined the army last year.
This meaning is used to describe a big group of people who support or follow a person, idea, or thing, like fans or supporters.
She has an army of friends.
An army of fans waited outside.
This meaning describes many things or animals together, moving or acting as a large group.
An army of ants moved across the ground.
There was an army of cars on the road.
Sometimes 'army' is used figuratively for a large, organized group involved in activities like sports or games, showing their strength or numbers.
The army of players won the match.
An army of fans cheered the team.
As a verb, 'to army' means to organize people, usually soldiers, into a large group ready to fight or defend. This use is old-fashioned and less common.
They army the volunteers quickly.
The king armied his men for battle.
This meaning refers specifically to the land-based military unit of a nation, separated from navy and air force.
The army won control of the region.
He served in the army for five years.
'Army' can be used in expressions to mean a very large number of problems, challenges, or things that seem hard to face, like a big group attacking together.
An army of problems followed the change.
He faced an army of challenges today.