pararescue

noun

para·​res·​cue ˈper-ə-ˌre-(ˌ)skyü How to pronounce pararescue (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
often attributive
: a search and rescue mission by specially trained personnel who can parachute to the site
a pararescue team
pararescueman
ˈper-ə-ˌre-(ˌ)skyü-ˌman How to pronounce pararescue (audio)
-mən, 
ˈpa-rə-
noun
pararescuer
ˈper-ə-ˌre-(ˌ)skyü-ər How to pronounce pararescue (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
noun

Examples of pararescue 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.
The pilot was rescued fairly quickly by highly-elite Air Force pararescue forces. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2026 The plane airdrops jet skis, inflatable boats and medical supplies, and a team of pararescue jumpers, or PJs, heads into the water. — Mark Strassmann, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026 But combat roles, including infantry, armor and pararescue, are subject to gender-neutral fitness standards. — Max Rego, The Hill, 5 Oct. 2025 The same group of Air Force pararescue personnel will be on standby to retrieve each astronaut crew in the event of an emergency during launch, and the flight paths of each mission require some of the units to stage in different locations. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Feb. 2026 The pararescue team was hoisted down to the hiker and stabilized him for transport to the McCarthy Airport, where he was moved to an air ambulance and taken to Alaska Regional in Anchorage, officials said. — Anchorage Daily News, 28 May 2021 The recovery operations for all three are born out of the Apollo program, Goddard said, crediting former NASA recovery director Milt Heflin and Air Force pararescue Chief Master Sgt. — Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pararescue was in 1948

Rhymes for pararescue

See All Rhymes for pararescue

Browse Nearby Words

parareka
pararescue
Pará rhatany
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pararescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pararescue. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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