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

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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
Newcastle end the window with the squad’s average age and wage bill significantly reduced. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 For one, as McDonald mentioned, there’s the financial perks of returning to college rather than sitting on a practice squad for NFL rookies. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Despite the changes, all those squads are pretty close together; the gap between isn’t massive. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Aug. 2026 One exception is cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, a key member of the Bucs’ Super Bowl 55 championship squad who had three interceptions during the 2020 postseason. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 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

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Browse Nearby Words

squacco
squad
squad car
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Cite this Entry

“Squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squad. Accessed 4 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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