Definition

Proper noun 1. An organization for young women and girls: Girl Scouts is a youth organization, founded in the United States in 1912, dedicated to building character, developing leadership skills, and promoting good citizenship through various activities, outdoor programs, and community service.

Usage

• The word "Girl Scouts" is always capitalized as it is a proper noun, the official name of the organization.
• It is typically used with a singular verb when referring to the organization as a single entity.
• It can be used to refer to the institution, its members collectively, or a local troop.

Examples

• Referring to the organization:
  • Girl Scouts was founded by Juliette Gordon Low.
  • She has been a volunteer for Girl Scouts for over a decade.
• Referring to members collectively:
  • The Girl Scouts are selling cookies outside the supermarket.
  • Our community project was completed with help from the local Girl Scouts.
• Referring to an individual member:
  • My daughter is a Girl Scout.
  • She earned a new badge as a Girl Scout.

Advanced Usage

• "Girl Scout" (singular, common noun): Refers to an individual member of the organization.
  • A Girl Scout learns essential life skills.
• The phrase is often used attributively to describe things related to the organization.
  • She attended the Girl Scout leadership conference.
  • They are having a Girl Scout troop meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Girl Scout (n): An individual member.
• Scouting (n): The principles, practices, or activities of organizations like Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts.
• Boy Scouts (proper n): A separate, analogous organization for boys and young men.

Synonyms

• Youth organization (general term)
• Character development organization (descriptive term)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Girl Scout honor": A phrase used to emphasize the absolute truthfulness of a statement, invoking the trustworthy reputation associated with the organization. (Note: The official pledge uses "On my honor...").
  • I didn't take your pen, Girl Scout honor.
• "Sell like Girl Scout cookies": An informal idiom describing a product that is very popular and sells quickly and easily.
  • The new smartphone is selling like Girl Scout cookies.

Noun

1. an organization of young women and girls founded in 1912 for character development and citizenship training