guerilla

American  

[guh-ril-uh] / gəˈrɪl ə /

noun

1. guerrilla.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• guerillaism
  noun

Explanation

The word guerilla is another way to spell "guerrilla": a member of a small, loosely organized army that fights a larger, stronger force. If you're a guerilla, you confront enemies unexpectedly and use tactics such as sabotage, raids, and ambushes. A guerilla is not a member of a state-sponsored army. Instead he or she is part of a smaller, independent army that fights a larger, more established force by using tactics that include the element of surprise. Also known as an insurgent or irregular, a guerilla usually exists outside mainstream society and typically has taken a position of active revolt or rebellion against the established ruling power.

Example Sentences

But it turns out — spoiler alert — that he’s “something of a military genius” who has unlooked-for gifts as a guerilla leader.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Smita Dahal, granddaughter of a three-time prime minister and former Maoist guerilla leader, who was criticised for showing off her expensive handbag collection, has her Instagram account set to private.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

It claimed he established a secret guerilla headquarters on the forested slopes, siring his son there between battles with the Japanese.

From Washington Times • Dec. 10, 2023

She founded an organization that defended former military officers who were put on trial and participated in rallies involving relatives of victims of terrorist attacks committed in the 1970s by leftist guerilla groups.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

Che had served as a military adviser to Fidel Castro when Castro and his guerilla army overthrew Cuba’s former president, Fulgencio Batista, in the 1950s.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French