squadron

noun

squad·​ron ˈskwä-drən How to pronounce squadron (audio)
1
: a unit of military organization: such as
a
: a cavalry unit higher than a troop and lower than a regiment
b
: a naval unit consisting of two or more divisions and sometimes additional vessels
c(1)
: a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a flight and lower than a group
(2)
: a military flight formation
2
: a large group of people or things
a squadron of limos

Examples of squadron 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 United States has expanded its military presence in Northeast Asia by establishing an MQ-9 drone squadron in South Korea on Monday to deter North Korea's aggression. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 Either way, the Royal Canadian Air Force will dispatch an aerobatics squadron, the Snowbirds, for the air show. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025 Squadron name revived Labeling the drone unit as the 431st squadron revives a name that traces back to World War II, when it was activated in 1943 as the 431st Fighter Squadron in Australia, flying long-range P-38 Lightning fighters as escorts for US bombers in the Pacific theater. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Instead, the $252 billion option would include additional Patriot missile batteries and air-control squadrons, dozens of new aircraft, and next-generation systems to defend against drone and cruise missile attacks on major population centers, military bases, and other key areas. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squadron

Word History

Etymology

Italian squadrone, augmentative of squadra squad, from Old Italian

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of squadron was in 1562

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squadron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squadron. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

squadron

noun
squad·​ron ˈskwäd-rən How to pronounce squadron (audio)
: any of several units of military organization
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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