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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2021, the state passed a law allowing prisoners to choose the firing squad as a method of execution, in addition to the electric chair and lethal injection. Chiara Eisner, NPR, 8 May 2025 In lieu of a lengthy appeals process, Gilmore opted for a firing squad and was executed in 1977. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025 Mahdi can choose to die by lethal injection, the electric chair or a firing squad. Landon Mion, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025 King said that Sigmon chose firing squad due to concerns with the use of lethal injection in South Carolina's last three executions. William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 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 15 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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