squad

[skwod]

noun

1. a small number of soldiers, commonly 10 privates, a staff sergeant, and a corporal; the smallest military unit.

2. a group of police officers, especially one organized to deal with a particular area of law enforcement.

   drug squad; fraud squad.

3. any small group or party of persons engaged in a common enterprise.

4. a sports team or a group of players from which a team is selected.

5. Slang.,  a group of friends.

verb (used with object)

squadded, squadding 

1. to form into squads.

2. to assign to a squad.

squad

/ skwɒd /

noun

1. the smallest military formation, typically comprising a dozen soldiers, used esp as a drill formation

2. any small group of people engaged in a common pursuit

3. sport a number of players from which a team is to be selected

Word History and Origins

Origin of squad¹

1640–50; < French esquade, alteration of esquadre < Spanish escuadra square; so called from square shape of the formation

Word History and Origins

Origin of squad¹

C17: from Old French esquade, from Old Spanish escuadra, from escuadrar to _square , from the square formations used

Example Sentences

But Higuita would not be deemed fit enough to make the squad for the United States.

From BBC

Sam Kerr, the Australian superstar striker, was also back in the squad for the first time in 20 months after her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

From BBC

The squad selection has, however, given us a few clues about his approach.

From BBC

With Australia superstar Sam Kerr also to return, their squad remains one packed with talent, and they know how to win.

From BBC

Defender John Stones has withdrawn from the England squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers because of injury.

From BBC

Related Words

• band 
• battalion 
• division 
• force 
• gang 
• group 
• squadron 
• troop