squad

1 of 2

noun

ˈskwäd 

1

: a small organized group of military personnel

especially : a tactical unit that can be easily directed in the field

2

: a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation

squad

2 of 2

verb

squadded; squadding

transitive verb

: to arrange in squads

Synonyms

Noun

• army
• band
• brigade
• company
• crew
• gang
• outfit
• party
• platoon
• team

Examples of squad in a Sentence

Noun

the cleaning squad usually arrives after regular business hours

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

South Carolina is one of five states that authorize execution by firing squad, alongside Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Utah. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025

Senate lawmakers responded at the Capitol on Wednesday by using their heavy Republican majority to pass a change in law to sideline lethal injections in favor of death by firing squad. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025

Sherman’s squad, which contains several police officers, have proper jobs and not all of them can afford the time off for tours and training camps. —Reuters, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025

South Carolina plans to execute Brad Sigmon, by firing squad on Friday. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French esquade, from Old Spanish & Old Italian; Old Spanish escuadra & Old Italian squadra, ultimately from Vulgar Latin *exquadrare to make square — more at square

First Known Use

Noun

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing squad

• bomb squad
• death squad
• firing squad
• flying squad
• squad car
• squad room
• vice squad

Rhymes for squad

• awed
• baaed
• baud
• bawd
• brod
• clawed
• cod
• flawed
• fraud
• gnawed
• god
• jawed

Kids Definition

squad

noun

ˈskwäd

1

: a small organized group of soldiers

especially : a small unit that can be easily directed in the field

2

: a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation

a football squad

a rescue squad