escadrille

[es-kuh-dril, es-kuh-dril, es-ka-dree-y^uh]

noun

plural

escadrilles 

1. a squadron or divisional unit of airplanes.

   the Lafayette Escadrille of World War I.

2. Obsolete.,  a small naval squadron.

escadrille

/ ɛskadrij, ˌɛskəˈdrɪl /

noun

1. a French squadron of aircraft, esp in World War I

2. a small squadron of ships

Word History and Origins

Origin of escadrille¹

1910–15; < French: flotilla, Middle French < Spanish escuadrilla, diminutive of escuadra squadron

Word History and Origins

Origin of escadrille¹

from French: flotilla, from Spanish escuadrilla, from escuadra _squadron

Example Sentences

After the United States entered the conflict, the escadrille was absorbed into the American air service, and today its members are considered the godfathers of the U.S.

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Just outside the place were the camps of three flying escadrilles, side by side.

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Anti-aircraft guns were popping, and the French escadrille had already mounted to give battle.

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Each group consists of dirigibles and aeroplane "escadrilles," and is fully equipped with establishments, etc.

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And then the commander of our escadrille vanished.

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Related Words

• armada 
• battalion 
• fleet 
• squad