squad

1 of 2

noun

ˈskwäd How to pronounce squad (audio)
Synonyms of squad
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 of squad

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of squad in a Sentence

Noun the cleaning squad usually arrives after regular business hours
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.
Noun
More than just medals, parents and coaches from both teams told The Beacon-News these squads have helped young athletes learn to overcome adversity, achieve more academically and create long-lasting friendships. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Later, he was added onto the team’s practice squad in late October. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 The Rebels are only the third Florida squad to win Peach Jam, but the second in three years. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 Mudryk flew to Hong Kong to train with Xabi Alonso’s pre-season tour squad for the first time on Monday evening. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for squad

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of squad was in 1649

Phrases Containing squad

Rhymes for squad

See All Rhymes for squad

Browse Nearby Words

squacco
squad
squad car
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squad. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on squad

Nglish: Translation of squad for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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