patrol

1 of 2

noun

pa·​trol pə-ˈtrōl 

1

a

: the action of traversing a district or beat or of going the rounds along a chain of guards for observation or the maintenance of security

b

: the person performing such an action

c

: a unit of persons or vehicles employed for reconnaissance, security, or combat

2

: a subdivision of a Boy Scout troop or Girl Scout troop

patrol

2 of 2

verb

patrolled; patrolling

intransitive verb

: to carry out a patrol

transitive verb

: to carry out a patrol of

patroller noun

Examples of patrol in a Sentence

Noun

The guard makes a patrol of the building every hour.

Soldiers are on patrol along the border.

Army patrols combed the area.

Verb

The squad had orders to patrol the area.

The border is patrolled by the army.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But until then, Sally Gale says, the Chileno Valley Newt Brigade will remain on patrol every night escorting newts, frogs, toads and turtles safely across the road. —Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 26 Jan. 2025

According to the South Korean air force, the bilateral exercise is aimed at enhancing the alliance's capabilities in executing joint operations such as air support and combat patrols. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Verb

Homicide data from the Illinois State Police, which patrols the city’s expressways, also is not included here. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

American troops patrol the area with assault rifles, where IEDs and chemical weapons await them. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French patrouiller, from Middle French, to tramp around in the mud, from patte paw — more at patten

First Known Use

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1648, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing patrol

• foot patrol
• patrol car
• patrol wagon
• shore patrol
• ski patrol

Kids Definition

patrol

1 of 2 noun

pa·​trol pə-ˈtrōl 

1

a

: the action of going the rounds of an area for observation or guard

b

: the person or group doing the patrolling

2

: a part of a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop

patrol

2 of 2 verb

patrolled; patrolling

: to carry out a patrol or a patrol of

patroller noun