squad

1 of 2

noun

ˈskwäd How to pronounce squad (audio)
Synonyms of squad
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 of squad

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Noun

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Examples of squad in a Sentence

Noun the cleaning squad usually arrives after regular business hours
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
But even in considering the easy road ahead, there are still chances to see how Dallas matches up with some of the NFC’s top squads. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026 Miami cut tackle Gottlieb Ayedze from the practice squad in a corresponding move. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 The Chiefs signed Justin Tucker to the practice squad Wednesday after Harrison Butker’s recent struggles, but Reid confirmed Butker would remain the kicker on Sunday. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026 Rayan, an imposing 20-year-old winger and another potential superstar-in-the-making, joined from Vasco da Gama only in January but is already in the Brazil squad and is a fearsome opponent to handle. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for squad

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of squad was in 1649

Phrases Containing squad

Rhymes for squad

See All Rhymes for squad

Browse Nearby Words

squacco
squad
squad car
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Cite this Entry

“Squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squad. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on squad

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squad

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