brigade

[ bri-geyd ]

noun

1. a military unit having its own headquarters and consisting of two or more regiments, squadrons, groups, or battalions.
2. a large body of troops.
3. Digital Technology. cybermob.
4. a group of individuals organized for a particular purpose: a rescue brigade.

   a fire brigade;

   a rescue brigade.

5. bucket brigade.
6. History/Historical. a convoy of canoes, sleds, wagons, or pack animals, especially as used to supply trappers in the 18th- and 19th-century Canadian and U.S. fur trade.

verb (used with object)

, bri·gad·ed, bri·gad·ing.

1. to form into a brigade.
2. to group together.

verb (used with or without object)

, bri·gad·ed, bri·gad·ing.

1. Digital Technology. to engage in online brigading.

brigade

/ brɪˈɡeɪd /

noun

1. a formation of fighting units, together with support arms and services, smaller than a division and usually commanded by a brigadier
2. a group of people organized for a certain task

   a rescue brigade

verb

1. to organize into a brigade
2. to put or group together

Other Words From

• in·ter·bri·gade adjective
• sub·bri·gade noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brigade¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from French, from Old Italian brigata “company of soldiers,” originally “group, band,” equivalent to brig(are) probably “to associate (with), be together” (obsolete sense), probably of Celtic origin; brigand + -ata -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of brigade¹

C17: from Old French, from Old Italian, from brigare to fight, perhaps of Celtic origin; see brigand

Example Sentences

In some cases, it is safer for the fire brigade to leave the battery to burn itself out.

From BBC

"Despite the brigade knowing I was off work due to my fiancée having miscarriages, I was put on 'sickness monitoring' and told my absence was putting the service under strain," Mr Dent said.

From BBC

The Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment was the first fire brigade in the world paid for by the city, free to the public.

From BBC

“It’s dangerous here. It is difficult, mentally and physically. We are all tired, but we are coping,” says Yuriy, the commander of all the brigade's medical units.

From BBC

The brigade warned e-bike users to check their batteries after battery packs were officially classed as "dangerous" products by the UK's regulatory body.

From BBC