squad

1 of 2

noun

ˈskwäd 

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

Noun

• army
• band
• brigade
• company
• crew
• gang
• outfit
• party
• platoon
• team

Examples of squad in a Sentence

Noun

the cleaning squad usually arrives after regular business hours

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Chelsea have entered 2025 intending to make tweaks, rather than mass changes, to the squad. —Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

Four other former Bears remain on the practice squads of playoff teams: receiver Anthony Miller (Ravens), safety Deon Bush and tight end Robert Tonyan (Chiefs) and fullback Khari Blasingame (Eagles). —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025

There are 6 teams, with names like Lunar Owls BC (Collier’s squad) and Mist BC (Stewart’s): each roster features 6 players and a coach. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

Marr said the program works because students on the squad know and see things that adults in a child’s life won’t. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing squad

• bomb squad
• death squad
• firing squad
• flying squad
• squad car
• squad room
• vice squad

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