firing squad

noun

1
: a detachment detailed to fire volleys over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a detachment detailed to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

Examples of firing squad 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.
Little signed a bill into law last year to add a firing squad as the state’s backup execution method and provided $750,000 to remodel the execution chamber. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025 The first two — Freddie Owens, who was put to death on Sept. 20, and Richard Moore, who was executed on Nov. 1 — chose to die by lethal injection, but inmates can also choose electrocution or a new firing squad. Landon Mion, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025 Trump's victory was the result of many factors as the Democratic Party's circular firing squad debate over the assignment of blame for their loss has indicated. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024 The last time an inmate in the U.S. was executed by a firing squad was in Utah in 2010, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Landon Mion, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for firing squad 

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of firing squad was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near firing squad

Cite this Entry

“Firing squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firing%20squad. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

firing squad

noun
fir·​ing squad
ˈfī(ə)r-iŋ-
1
: a military unit assigned to fire shots over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a military unit assigned to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

More from Merriam-Webster on firing squad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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