squadron

[ skwod-ruhn ]

noun

1. a portion of a naval fleet or a detachment of warships; a subdivision of a fleet.
2. an armored cavalry or cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops, a headquarters, and various supporting units.
3. (in the U.S. Air Force).
   1. the basic administrative and tactical unit, smaller than a group and composed of two or more flights.
   2. a flight formation.
4. a number of persons grouped or united together for some purpose; group.

verb (used with object)

1. to form into a squadron or squadrons; marshal or array in or as if in squadrons.

squadron

/ ˈskwɒdrən /

noun

1. 1. a subdivision of a naval fleet detached for a particular task
   2. a number of naval units usually of similar type and consisting of two or more divisions
2. a cavalry unit comprising two or more troops, headquarters, and supporting arms
3. the basic tactical and administrative air force unit comprising two or more flights

Other Words From

• half-squadron noun
• sub·squadron noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squadron¹

1555–65; < Italian squadrone, equivalent to squadr ( a ) square + -one augmentative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of squadron¹

C16: from Italian squadrone soldiers drawn up in square formation, from squadro square

Example Sentences

Our squadron doctor was lean, well muscled, square jawed and blond.

From The Daily Beast

The President came in and our squadron commander called, “Attention on deck!”

From The Daily Beast

The result was chaos, as Jones, who thought he was in charge of the entire Black Sea fleet, was only commanding “the squadron.”

From The Daily Beast

On December 9, 2013, Norris met with Neubauer, her squadron commander Lt Col. Betsy Ross, Col. Tombe, and others.

From The Daily Beast

The tribune was surrounded by a squadron of hussars of the National Guard.

From The Daily Beast

He was two years governor of New York, and was appointed commander in chief of the western squadron, 1779.

From Project Gutenberg

Three times the squadron of frigates got ready to accompany the new minister, but each time the minister postponed his departure.

From Project Gutenberg

There he distinguished himself by capturing Wrzburg and two thousand of the enemy with a squadron of one hundred hussars.

From Project Gutenberg

For as he came in sight of land the French squadron appeared, and the battle that became imminent was fought on the following day.

From Project Gutenberg

Edward retained part of the squadron to assist the French king against the Flemings.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• armada
• battalion
• fleet
• squad