marching orders

plural noun

: authoritative orders or instructions especially to set out on or as if on a march

Examples of marching orders in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In my view, the letter-writer is just parroting what was immediately dredged up by right-wing media that many on the right turn to for their marching orders. Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024 The big picture: Valkyries — and Warriors — owner Joe Lacob laid out his marching orders when the expansion team was announced in 2023: become a championship contender within five seasons. Megan Rose Dickey, Axios, 30 July 2024 Why at a critical juncture in the protest did these student activists assemble at one location off campus to get their marching orders from one man? Sam Faddis, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024 The marching orders, apparently, had to come from de Blasio, who repeatedly waffled on the decision and wouldn’t commit to firing the longtime cop. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for marching orders 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'marching orders.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marching orders was in 1714

Dictionary Entries Near marching orders

Cite this Entry

“Marching orders.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marching%20orders. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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