Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal, standardized military exercise performed by troops while marching in tight formation, typically with minimal spacing between individuals (often shoulder-to-shoulder). It emphasizes precision, uniformity, and discipline in movement.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The primary use is in a military context to describe a specific type of training or ceremonial parade.
  • It is a compound noun. The term itself is the specific concept; it is not typically used with other verbs or in different grammatical forms. For example, you conduct, perform, or execute a close-order drill.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The new recruits spent their first week learning the fundamentals of the close-order drill.
  • A perfect close-order drill requires every soldier to move in absolute unison.
  • The parade featured an impressive close-order drill by the honor guard.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in its full form, "close-order drill." It describes the activity itself.
• It can be part of larger phrases describing the quality or purpose of the drill:
  • The sergeant demanded flawless execution during the close-order drill.
  • Close-order drill builds unit cohesion and instills discipline.

Variants and Related Words

• Drill (n): A general term for repetitive training or exercise, especially military. "Close-order drill" is a specific type of drill.
• Formation (n): An arrangement of people or things. Close-order drill is performed in a tight formation.
• Marching (n): The activity of walking in a military manner with a regular paced step. Close-order drill involves precise marching.

Synonyms

• Formation drill: A very close synonym, emphasizing the arranged pattern of troops.
• Parade drill: Often used when the drill is for ceremonial or display purposes.

Related Phrases

• In close order: A phrase describing the tight, shoulder-to-shoulder formation itself.
  • The troops advanced in close order.
• Drill and ceremony: A broader military term encompassing close-order drill and other formal procedures.

Noun

1. (military) military drill of troops in standard marching (shoulder-to-shoulder)