paratroops

plural noun

para·​troops ˈper-ə-ˌtrüps How to pronounce paratroops (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
Synonyms of paratroopsnext
: troops trained and equipped to parachute from an airplane
paratroop
ˈper-ə-ˌtrüp How to pronounce paratroops (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
adjective

Examples of paratroops 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.
No British attempt was made to land men simultaneously on the south bank of the Rhine, nearest the Allied lines, and the paratroops failed in their own attempts to cross the bridge under fire. — Max Hastings, The New York Review of Books, 28 May 2020 The government poured more than 3,000 troops into the effort, including paratroops and special forces soldiers, according to Sandoval. — Kevin Sieff, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

para- entry 2

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paratroops was in 1940

Rhymes for paratroops

See All Rhymes for paratroops

Browse Nearby Words

paratrooping
paratroops
paratrophy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paratroops.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paratroops. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paratroops

plural noun
para·​troops ˈpar-ə-ˌtrüps How to pronounce paratroops (audio)
: troops trained and equipped to parachute from an airplane
paratroop
-ˌtrüp How to pronounce paratroops (audio)
adjective
paratrooper
-ˌtrü-pər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on paratroops

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