team

1 of 3

noun

1
: a number of persons associated together in work or activity: such as
a
: a group on one side (as in football or a debate)
b
: crew, gang
2
a
: two or more draft animals harnessed to the same vehicle or implement
also : these with their harness and attached vehicle
b
: a draft animal often with harness and vehicle
3
: a group of animals: such as
a
: a brood especially of young pigs or ducks
b
: a matched group of animals for exhibition
4
obsolete : lineage, race

team

2 of 3

adjective

: of or performed by a team
a team effort
also : marked by devotion to teamwork rather than individual achievement
a team player

team

3 of 3

verb

teamed; teaming; teams

transitive verb

1
: to yoke or join in a team
also : to put together in a coordinated ensemble
2
: to convey or haul with a team

intransitive verb

1
: to form a team or association : join forces or efforts
often used with up
2
: to drive a team or motortruck

Did you know?

What is the difference between the verbs teem and team?

If you want to describe an overflowing abundance of something, the word you are looking for is teem. We often see reference to "the teeming masses," "streets teeming with activity," or "forests teeming with life." You want the word team if you are trying to describe pairing two or more things in a coordinated ensemble ("she teamed the oxen together"), or forming some kind of partnership or association ("we are teaming with another organization this year").

Examples of team in a Sentence

Noun a doubles team in tennis He is the best player on his team. They are the worst team in baseball. To get the job done more quickly, we split up into teams. We worked as a team to put out the fire. The company hired a team of lawyers to advise them. a search and rescue team A dog team pulled the sled. Verb a show that teams two of television's funniest comedians
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.
Noun
Climate research teams now include AI systems that can process vast datasets while human researchers contribute intuitive insights and ethical frameworks, generating solutions neither could achieve alone. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 The money is the fight, everything else these teams throw in. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
Leaders can help by actively exposing high-potential team members to internal opportunities and encouraging cross-team role showcases during town halls and large team gatherings. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 That could open the door for the Kings to sneak into Butler trade talks, whether to land him themselves or as the third team in a multi-team trade. Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
In 1982, the Queen loaned the earrings to Princess Diana, who appeared to like them just as much, often teaming them with Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara, which was another favourite. Isaac Bickerstaff, Glamour, 14 June 2025 Plenty of bro love fills that gap in the serviceable sequel, which teams action-hero CPA Christian (Ben Affleck) with his hitman sibling Braxton (Jon Bernthal) to solve a mystery involving a broken family and human trafficking. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for team

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English teme, from Old English tēam offspring, lineage, group of draft animals; akin to Old High German zoum rein, Old English tēon to draw, pull — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1552, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of team was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Team.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/team. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

team

1 of 2 noun
1
: two or more animals used to pull the same vehicle or piece of machinery
also : these animals with their harness and attached vehicle
2
: a number of persons associated together in work or activity

team

2 of 2 verb
1
: to join in a team
2
: to haul with or drive a team
3
: to form a team

More from Merriam-Webster on team

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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