squad car

noun

1. an automobile used by police officers, equipped with a radiotelephone for communicating with police headquarters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of squad car¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

He told the news service that his friend was driving when they saw the “red and blue lights” of the CHP squad car and the driver “decided just to run for it.”

From Los Angeles Times

That morning, a single squad car from West L.A. was dispatched to monitor the protest.

From Los Angeles Times

After a minute of shouting and near blows, another officer came out of a nearby air-conditioned squad car to help out.

From Salon

He put his head on a squad car and sobbed.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Police Department, which had issued a tactical alert Saturday evening, sent dozens of squad cars to the campus Saturday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• patrol car