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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for firing squad
Britannica English: Translation of firing squad for Arabic Speakers
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