troop

1 of 2

noun

ˈtrüp 

1

a

: a group of soldiers

b

: a cavalry unit corresponding to an infantry company

c

troops plural : armed forces, soldiers

2

: a collection of people or things : crew sense 2

3

: a flock of mammals or birds

4

: the basic organizational unit of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts under an adult leader

troop

2 of 2

verb

trooped; trooping; troops

intransitive verb

1

: to move or gather in crowds

2

: to go one's way : walk

3

: to spend time together : associate

4

: to move in large numbers

Synonyms

Noun

• company
• troupe

Examples of troop in a Sentence

Noun

Where is his troop heading?

a plan to withdraw troops

a troop of enthusiastic children

Verb

We all trooped back inside.

The kids trooped off to school.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Defense Department has a budget exceeding $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide. —Tara Copp, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024

From Beijing’s perspective, during a conflict with the United States over Taiwan, maintaining close ties with North Korea is advantageous because Pyongyang can help tie down U.S. troops in the region by keeping open the possibility of another war. —Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024

Verb

Darling little Harper was just along for the ride—happy to sit, stay, or troop down the stairs as required—but also kind of sleepy. —Marley Marius, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2024

So Idaho — before the case was fully litigated — trooped to the Supreme Court. —Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French trope, troupe company, herd, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English thorp, throp village — more at thorp

First Known Use

Noun

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing troop

• inter-troop

Kids Definition

troop

1 of 2 noun

ˈtrüp 

1

a

: a group of soldiers

b

plural : armed forces, military

2

: a collection of people or things : company

3

: a flock of mammals or birds

4

: a unit of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts under an adult leader

troop

2 of 2 verb

: to move or gather in crowds