pararescue

noun

para·​res·​cue ˈper-ə-ˌre-(ˌ)skyü How to pronounce pararescue (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
often attributive
: a search and rescue mission by specially trained personnel who can parachute to the site
a pararescue team
pararescueman noun
pararescuer noun

Examples of pararescue 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.
The recovery operations for all three are born out of the Apollo program, Goddard said, crediting former NASA recovery director Milt Heflin and Air Force pararescue Chief Master Sgt. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2023 G Pave Hawk helicopter and a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II -- a large tanker -- with pararescue personnel on board. Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, 2 June 2021 This year’s honoree was William H. Pitsenbarger, an Air Force pararescue medic from Ohio who was dropped into a Vietnamese jungle on April 11, 1966, to help an Army unit pinned down by enemy fire. John Wilkens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2021 Casualties would’ve been much higher that day without William H. Pitsenbarger, a U.S. Air Force pararescue medic who saved more than 60 men in the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 25 Feb. 2020 Think of pararescue operators who leap out of aircraft or tactical controllers who call in close air support. Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, 12 Feb. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pararescue was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Pararescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pararescue. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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