noun
Uncommon
posse
POS-ee
Posse (noun) means a group of people, especially one gathered to help enforce the law. Example: “The sheriff formed a posse to track down the outlaws.”
noun
1
A group of people, especially one gathered to help enforce the law.
"The sheriff formed a posse to track down the outlaws."
"While Wyatt dismounted and aimed his shotgun at Brocius, the rest of his posse retreated."
— Andrew C. Isenberg, Wyatt Earp: A Vigilante Life (2013)
2
Informally, a group of friends or associates.
"She showed up to the party with her whole posse."
How to use posse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group assembled for a purpose — historically to help law enforcement, now often just a friend group.
When to use it
The "friend group" sense is informal.
Common pairings
form a posse
roll with your posse
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Word forms
- Plural
- posses
Fill the gap
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The sheriff formed a _____ to track down the outlaws.
Etymology
Shortened from Latin posse comitatus, "the force of the county."
Synonyms
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posse comitatus
Rhymes for posse
See all rhymes for posse →Frequently asked questions
What does “posse” mean?
The word “posse” means a group of people, especially one gathered to help enforce the law. In plain terms, a group assembled for a purpose — historically to help law enforcement, now often just a friend group.
How do you pronounce “posse”?
“Posse” is pronounced POS-ee (/ˈpɑs.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “posse” in a sentence?
Here is “posse” used in a sentence: “The sheriff formed a posse to track down the outlaws.”
What part of speech is “posse”?
“Posse” is a noun.
Where does the word “posse” come from?
The word “posse” comes from Latin. Shortened from Latin posse comitatus, "the force of the county.".
Is “posse” a common word?
“Posse” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “posse” have?
“Posse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of people, especially one gathered to help enforce the law.
