Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small group of people working together on a specific task or activity: A squad is typically a small, organized unit formed for a particular purpose, often within a larger organization like the military, police, or a sports team.
   • A cooperative unit, especially in sports: In sports, a squad refers to the entire group of players from which a team is selected for a particular game or match.
   • The smallest tactical unit in an army: In a military context, a squad is a small unit of soldiers, usually consisting of around 8 to 12 members, under the command of a non-commissioned officer.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The police formed a special squad to investigate the series of burglaries.
  • The coach selected the final team from a squad of 25 players.
  • The sergeant led his infantry squad on a patrol through the village.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on the squad": to be a member of a particular team or unit.
  • She was proud to be on the national volleyball squad.
• "squad car": (Note: This is a compound word, listed here as advanced usage) a police car used by officers on duty.
  • The officers responded to the call in their squad car.

Variants and Related Words

• Squadron (n): A larger military unit, typically in an air force or navy, consisting of several aircraft or ships.
  • He served in a fighter squadron during the war.
• Squad leader (n): The person in charge of a squad.
  • The squad leader directed the team's movements.

Synonyms

• Team: A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.
• Unit: A single thing or person regarded as a complete entity; or a group of people working together as part of a larger organization.
• Crew: A group of people who work together, especially on a ship, aircraft, or film.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Squad" is primarily a noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• Awkward squad: (Note: This is an idiom using the target word) A group of people who are difficult to manage or train, especially new recruits.
  • The new sergeant was assigned to whip the awkward squad into shape.
• Flying squad: (Note: This is an idiom using the target word) A small, mobile group of police or workers ready to move quickly to deal with emergencies.
  • The bank robbery was handled by the flying squad.

Noun

1. a small squad of policemen trained to deal with a particular kind of crime
2. a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
3. a smallest army unit