guerilla

American  

[guh-ril-uh] / gəˈrɪl ə /

noun

1. guerrilla.

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Other Word Forms

• guerillaism noun

Explanation

The word guerilla is another way to spell "guerrilla": a member of a small, loosely organized army that fights a larger, stronger force. If you're a guerilla, you confront enemies unexpectedly and use tactics such as sabotage, raids, and ambushes. A guerilla is not a member of a state-sponsored army. Instead he or she is part of a smaller, independent army that fights a larger, more established force by using tactics that include the element of surprise. Also known as an insurgent or irregular, a guerilla usually exists outside mainstream society and typically has taken a position of active revolt or rebellion against the established ruling power.

Example Sentences

Smita Dahal, granddaughter of a three-time prime minister and former Maoist guerilla leader, who was criticised for showing off her expensive handbag collection, has her Instagram account set to private.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

With their guerilla approach to performance art, Asco founders Harry Gamboa Jr., Glugio “Gronk” Nicandro, Willie Herrón and Patssi Valdez built a legacy around expanding the possibilities for Chicanos in the art world.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

It claimed he established a secret guerilla headquarters on the forested slopes, siring his son there between battles with the Japanese.

From Washington Times • Dec. 10, 2023

She founded an organization that defended former military officers who were put on trial and participated in rallies involving relatives of victims of terrorist attacks committed in the 1970s by leftist guerilla groups.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

Many of those who fled were reportedly undergoing guerilla training in neighbouring black states under the aegis of Umkhonto We Sizwe.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane