1. A permanent military force maintained by a state in peacetime and war, as distinguished from forces that are raised only in times of war
The country established a standing army to protect its borders.
O país estabeleceu um exército permanente para proteger suas fronteiras.
2. Professional armed forces kept in constant readiness for military operations
Most modern nations maintain a standing army rather than relying on militia forces.
A maioria das nações modernas mantém um exército permanente em vez de depender de forças de milícia.