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

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
The squad’s core is more experienced and mature, both on and off the pitch. — Sean Gregory, Time, 1 July 2026 The chamber is a dedicated firing-squad space, with sound and ballistic protection. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The Americans are winless in their last 13 matches against European squads at the tournament since then. — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 1 July 2026 Individual times will be taken as riders cross the line, so look out for squads who stay together as long as possible, and others who plan to let their key riders clip off the front in the latter stages. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squad. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of squad for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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