squad

1 of 2

noun

ˈskwäd 

1

: a small organized group of military personnel

especially : a tactical unit that can be easily directed in the field

2

: a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation

squad

2 of 2

verb

squadded; squadding

transitive verb

: to arrange in squads

Synonyms

Noun

• army
• band
• brigade
• company
• crew
• gang
• outfit
• party
• platoon
• team

Examples of squad in a Sentence

Noun

the cleaning squad usually arrives after regular business hours

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His third Stanford club bullied USC as few teams ever hammered a Pete Carroll squad. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024

But the squad — led by first-year general manager Dan Morgan — has some notable holes that are much more glaring than others. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French esquade, from Old Spanish & Old Italian; Old Spanish escuadra & Old Italian squadra, ultimately from Vulgar Latin *exquadrare to make square — more at square

First Known Use

Noun

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing squad

• bomb squad
• death squad
• firing squad
• flying squad
• squad car
• squad room
• vice squad

Kids Definition

squad

noun

ˈskwäd

1

: a small organized group of soldiers

especially : a small unit that can be easily directed in the field

2

: a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation

a football squad

a rescue squad