Minutemen cultural definition

Armed American civilians who were active in the Revolutionary War and in the period just preceding the war. They were named Minutemen because they were ready to fight alongside regular soldiers at a moment's notice. The Minutemen of Massachusetts were especially well known. (See Battle of Lexington and Concord.)

• During the cold war, the name “Minuteman” was given to a United States missile held ready for launching in the event of a nuclear attack.