patrol car

noun

: a police automobile connected with headquarters by a two-way radio or computer : squad car
Placing an unarmed, compliant juvenile in the back of a patrol car transformed an investigatory stop into an arrest, the 9th Circuit held Aug. 24.The National Law Journal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The deputies turned around and exchanged words with the skateboarders before one of them — Vega — grabbed Alegria and shoved him into the back of a patrol car. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2023 An unknown suspect shot at the deputy’s marked patrol car, damaging it. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2023 Yi pulled Briggs’ wallet and ID from his pants pocket before placing him in the back of the patrol car. Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Apr. 2023 He was seen in the back of the patrol car of Steven Calkins, the Collier County deputy on the scene. USA Today, 4 Apr. 2023 Oliver, a six-year veteran of the force, grabbed his rifle from his patrol car as Jordan, his two brothers and two friends got in a car near the house to leave. Maggie Prosser, Dallas News, 4 Apr. 2023 Shortly after the incident, the SCSO vehicle caught fire, and Wootson was able to pull the deputy, who was trapped, from his patrol car before it was engulfed in flames. Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 26 Mar. 2023 Body camera video shows Darby grab a shotgun from his patrol car, sprint to the house and shout for Parker to drop his gun. Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, 24 Mar. 2023 In an update about the shooting, officials said Tuesday that Fitzgerald got out of his patrol car in full uniform and approached three people dressed in black and wearing masks in an area that had been recently been beset by robberies and car jackings, NBC 10 reports. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patrol car.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patrol car was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near patrol car

Cite this Entry

“Patrol car.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patrol%20car. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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