team

1 of 3

noun

ˈtēm 

1

: a number of persons associated together in work or activity: such as

a

: a group on one side (as in football or a debate)

b

: crew, gang

2

a

: two or more draft animals harnessed to the same vehicle or implement

also : these with their harness and attached vehicle

b

: a draft animal often with harness and vehicle

3

: a group of animals: such as

a

: a brood especially of young pigs or ducks

b

: a matched group of animals for exhibition

4

obsolete : lineage, race

team

2 of 3

adjective

: of or performed by a team

a team effort

also : marked by devotion to teamwork rather than individual achievement

a team player

team

3 of 3

verb

teamed; teaming; teams

transitive verb

1

: to yoke or join in a team

also : to put together in a coordinated ensemble

2

: to convey or haul with a team

intransitive verb

1

: to form a team or association : join forces or efforts

—often used with up

2

: to drive a team or motortruck

Did you know?

What is the difference between the verbs teem and team?

If you want to describe an overflowing abundance of something, the word you are looking for is teem. We often see reference to "the teeming masses," "streets teeming with activity," or "forests teeming with life." You want the word team if you are trying to describe pairing two or more things in a coordinated ensemble ("she teamed the oxen together"), or forming some kind of partnership or association ("we are teaming with another organization this year").

Synonyms

Noun

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

Verb

• band (together)
• collaborate
• concert
• concur
• conjoin
• conspire
• cooperate
• join
• league
• unite

Examples of team in a Sentence

Noun

a doubles team in tennis

He is the best player on his team.

They are the worst team in baseball.

To get the job done more quickly, we split up into teams.

We worked as a team to put out the fire.

The company hired a team of lawyers to advise them.

a search and rescue team

A dog team pulled the sled.

Verb

a show that teams two of television's funniest comedians

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a matchup of two of the most intriguing teams in the NFL. —NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024

The team hoped the animals could particularly help within bringing to the surface vital, fertilizing microorganisms such as endosymbiotic rhizobial bacteria and Mycorrhizal fungi. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

Adjective

If one of the goals is to improve your leadership in team settings, start volunteering to lead meetings, offer to mentor junior staff, or take charge in cross-team projects. —Sho Dewan, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024

Crowder ended up there in a multi-team trade after being part of the blockbuster Durant deal. —Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 25 Feb. 2023

Verb

In 2021, the company sold a minority stake to investors including Nike, Epic Games, Fenway Sports Group and RedBird Capital Partners (which has teamed with Skydance Media to acquire Paramount) to give SpringHill a valuation of $725 million. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Since the late ‘70s, he’s teamed with Peter Gabriel in the studio and on the road, including at a pair of gigs last fall at United Center. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English teme, from Old English tēam offspring, lineage, group of draft animals; akin to Old High German zoum rein, Old English tēon to draw, pull — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1552, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing team

• debating team
• double-team
• dream team
• drill team
• fantasy team
• farm team
• search and rescue team
• tag team
• team effort
• team foul
• team handball
• team player
• team sport
• team up
• triple-team

Kids Definition

team

1 of 2 noun

ˈtēm 

1

: two or more animals used to pull the same vehicle or piece of machinery

also : these animals with their harness and attached vehicle

2

: a number of persons associated together in work or activity

team

2 of 2 verb

1

: to join in a team

2

: to haul with or drive a team

3

: to form a team