plural marshals
1
: an officer of the highest rank in some military forces
2
US
: a federal official who is responsible for doing the things that are ordered by a court of law, finding and capturing criminals, etc.
3
US
: the head of a division of a police or fire department
a fire marshal
4
: person who arranges and directs ceremonies or parades
a parade marshal
marshals; US marshaled or chiefly British marshalled; US marshaling or chiefly British marshalling
1
a
: to arrange (a group of people, such as soldiers) in an orderly way
marshal the troops/forces
b
: to move or lead (a group of people) in a careful way
The teacher marshaled [=ushered] the children into the classroom.
2
: to arrange or prepare (something, such as your thoughts or ideas) in a clear, effective, or organized way
She carefully marshaled her thoughts before answering the question.
marshal an argument
Cite this Entry
“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/marshal. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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