escadrille

[ es-kuh-dril, es-kuh-dril; French es-ka-dree-yuh ]

noun

, plural es·ca·drilles [es-k, uh, -, drilz, es, -k, uh, -drilz, es-k, a, -, dree, -y, uh].

1. a squadron or divisional unit of airplanes:

   the Lafayette Escadrille of World War I.

2. Obsolete. a small naval squadron.

escadrille

/ ɛskadrij; ˌɛskəˈdrɪl /

noun

1. a French squadron of aircraft, esp in World War I
2. a small squadron of ships

Word History and Origins

Origin of escadrille¹

1910–15; < French: flotilla, Middle French < Spanish escuadrilla, diminutive of escuadra squadron

Word History and Origins

Origin of escadrille¹

from French: flotilla, from Spanish escuadrilla, from escuadra squadron

Example Sentences

After the United States entered the conflict, the escadrille was absorbed into the American air service, and today its members are considered the godfathers of the U.S.

From Washington Post

Just outside the place were the camps of three flying escadrilles, side by side.

From Project Gutenberg

Anti-aircraft guns were popping, and the French escadrille had already mounted to give battle.

From Project Gutenberg

Each group consists of dirigibles and aeroplane "escadrilles," and is fully equipped with establishments, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

And then the commander of our escadrille vanished.

From Newsweek

Related Words

• armada
• battalion
• fleet
• squad