firing squad

noun

1
: a detachment detailed to fire volleys over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a detachment detailed to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

Examples of firing squad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In his draft, Duncan concluded that lethal injection is too flawed and supported using firing squads instead. Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Dec. 2024 As expected, Carol manages to survive Madame Genet’s firing squad, playing dead before making a break for it and taking off in a UTV-carrying Codron. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2024 In the letter, Hobbs said firing squads were on the table per Arizona law, but Duncan emphasized his thoughts, suggesting voters take up the matter. Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Dec. 2024 Australia are not going to shuffle a new victim out in front of Bumrah and Co's firing squad. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for firing squad 

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of firing squad was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near firing squad

Cite this Entry

“Firing squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firing%20squad. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

firing squad

noun
fir·​ing squad
ˈfī(ə)r-iŋ-
1
: a military unit assigned to fire shots over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a military unit assigned to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

More from Merriam-Webster on firing squad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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