firing squad

noun

1
: a detachment detailed to fire volleys over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a detachment detailed to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

Examples of firing squad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Investigations South Carolina plans to carry out a firing squad execution. Chiara Eisner, NPR, 8 May 2025 The only other states to authorize death by a firing squad are Mississippi, Oklahoma and Utah. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025 The firing squad is an execution method with a long history around the world. Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2025 The firing squad is an execution method with a long and violent history around the world. CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for firing squad

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of firing squad was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Firing squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firing%20squad. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

firing squad

noun
fir·​ing squad
ˈfī(ə)r-iŋ-
1
: a military unit assigned to fire shots over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a military unit assigned to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

More from Merriam-Webster on firing squad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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