squad

[ skwod ]

noun

1. a small number of soldiers, commonly 10 privates, a staff sergeant, and a corporal; the smallest military unit.
2. a group of police officers, especially one organized to deal with a particular area of law enforcement:

   drug squad; fraud squad.

3. any small group or party of persons engaged in a common enterprise.
4. a sports team or a group of players from which a team is selected.
5. Slang. a group of friends.

verb (used with object)

, squad·ded, squad·ding.

1. to form into squads.
2. to assign to a squad.

squad

/ skwɒd /

noun

1. the smallest military formation, typically comprising a dozen soldiers, used esp as a drill formation
2. any small group of people engaged in a common pursuit
3. sport a number of players from which a team is to be selected

Word History and Origins

Origin of squad¹

1640–50; < French esquade, alteration of esquadre < Spanish escuadra square; so called from square shape of the formation

Word History and Origins

Origin of squad¹

C17: from Old French esquade, from Old Spanish escuadra, from escuadrar to square , from the square formations used

Example Sentences

With Malaga at the centre of severe flooding on Wednesday, the British squad were unable to leave their hotel as heavy rain hit the Andalusian city.

From BBC

Forging a tight bond among the team has been a key tactic for Keothavong as Britain aim to win the BJK Cup for the first time, as well as being able to choose from her strongest available squad.

From BBC

"Jamal Lewis came in with an ankle issue and he has left the camp as well, so we have a 25-man squad and we have more than enough to get through the two games."

From BBC

The Boks squad includes 15 players who faced Steve Borthwick's side in Paris, with Leicester Tigers fly-half Pollard among the replacements.

From BBC

"England poses a completely different challenge to Scotland, and we selected our squad based on what we would like to do in the match and also what we think will be best to counter the challenge England poses," said Erasmus.

From BBC

Related Words

• band
• battalion
• division
• force
• gang
• group
• squadron
• troop