squad

American  

[skwod] / skwɒd /

noun

1. a small number of soldiers, commonly 10 privates, a staff sergeant, and a corporal; the smallest military unit.

2. a group of police officers, especially one organized to deal with a particular area of law enforcement.

   drug squad; fraud squad.

3. any small group or party of persons engaged in a common enterprise.

4. a sports team or a group of players from which a team is selected.

5. Slang. a group of friends.

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verb (used with object)

squadded, squadding

1. to form into squads.

2. to assign to a squad.

squad British  

/ skwɒd /

noun

1. the smallest military formation, typically comprising a dozen soldiers, used esp as a drill formation

2. any small group of people engaged in a common pursuit

3. sport a number of players from which a team is to be selected

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Etymology

Origin of squad

1640–50; < French esquade, alteration of esquadre < Spanish escuadra square; so called from square shape of the formation

Example Sentences

England manager Thomas Tuchel says players will need the right "social skills" and personality to make his World Cup squad.

From BBC

The likelihood is that Salah will return to the Liverpool squad for their trip to Marseille next week.

From BBC

With Brazil desperately looking for a number nine before the summer's World Cup, there is a growing expectation head coach Carlo Ancelotti will include him in his March squad.

From BBC

Co-owner Simon Orange wrote on social media, external on Tuesday that he was confident Sale would have their "best squad yet" for 2025-26, urging fans to "have some faith".

From BBC

But whoever takes over from Robertson faces the difficult task of uniting a squad of players for the Rugby World Cup only 20 months away, and overcoming deeper structural issues.

From BBC

Related Words

• band
• battalion
• division
• force
• gang
• group
• squadron
• troop