squadron

[ skwod-ruhn ]

noun

1. a portion of a naval fleet or a detachment of warships; a subdivision of a fleet.
2. an armored cavalry or cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops, a headquarters, and various supporting units.
3. (in the U.S. Air Force).
   1. the basic administrative and tactical unit, smaller than a group and composed of two or more flights.
   2. a flight formation.
4. a number of persons grouped or united together for some purpose; group.

verb (used with object)

1. to form into a squadron or squadrons; marshal or array in or as if in squadrons.

squadron

/ ˈskwɒdrən /

noun

1. 1. a subdivision of a naval fleet detached for a particular task
   2. a number of naval units usually of similar type and consisting of two or more divisions
2. a cavalry unit comprising two or more troops, headquarters, and supporting arms
3. the basic tactical and administrative air force unit comprising two or more flights

Other Words From

• half-squadron noun
• sub·squadron noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squadron¹

1555–65; < Italian squadrone, equivalent to squadr ( a ) square + -one augmentative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of squadron¹

C16: from Italian squadrone soldiers drawn up in square formation, from squadro square

Example Sentences

The country’s national security adviser, its coastguard chief and the head of the police helicopter squadron are all Indian nationals and officers in India's external intelligence agency, navy and air force, respectively.

From BBC

"He was with his air squadron, training to fly carrier-based aircraft in anticipation of them being sent to carry on the fight against the Japanese in the Pacific."

From BBC

The Royal Navy squadron was tasked with stopping vessels transporting slaves and was involved in freeing around 150,000 slaves in the 19th century.

From BBC

Timothy Warburton, commanding officer of the squadron, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The court also heard that he won a cup for Best Junior Soldier in his squadron, and was recommended for promotion to Lance Corporal aged just 20.

From BBC

Related Words

• armada
• battalion
• fleet
• squad