proper noun
pentagon
The United States Department of Defense and its senior military leadership.
The Pentagon reviews plans to send more troops overseas.
Etymology
Pentagon means a five-angled figure. The Department of Defense acquired the building’s name because its headquarters has that five-sided shape.
More examples
- Congress asks the Pentagon to explain its spending.
- A Pentagon spokesperson answers questions about the mission.
- The White House consults the Pentagon before announcing the deployment.
Forms
Pentagon
Similar words
- Department of Defense
- Names the department directly rather than through its headquarters.
- military leadership
- Refers to senior commanders, not the entire defense department.