noun
Uncommon
squadron
SKWOD-ruhn
Squadron (noun) means a military unit, especially in the air force or navy, made up of several smaller groups. Example: “The fighter squadron flew in tight formation over the base.”
noun
1
A military unit, especially in the air force or navy, made up of several smaller groups.
"The fighter squadron flew in tight formation over the base."
"The squadron was ordered to return to its base before nightfall."
"Every pilot in the squadron gathered for the briefing."
2
A unit of cavalry or armored vehicles, or a naval detachment.
"A squadron of warships patrolled the coastline."
"The museum has a model of a cavalry squadron from long ago."
"A small squadron of tanks rolled slowly into the training area."
How to use squadron
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA military unit, most often used for air force or naval groupings.
Common pairings
fighter squadron
naval squadron
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Word forms
- Plural
- squadrons
- Third person singular
- squadrons
- Past tense
- squadroned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fighter _____ flew in tight formation over the base.
Etymology
From Italian squadrone, related to "squad" and "square."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for squadron
See all rhymes for squadron →Frequently asked questions
What does “squadron” mean?
The word “squadron” means a military unit, especially in the air force or navy, made up of several smaller groups. In plain terms, a military unit, most often used for air force or naval groupings.
How do you pronounce “squadron”?
“Squadron” is pronounced SKWOD-ruhn (/ˈskwɒd.ɹən/ in IPA).
How do you use “squadron” in a sentence?
Here is “squadron” used in a sentence: “The fighter squadron flew in tight formation over the base.”
What part of speech is “squadron”?
“Squadron” is a noun.
Where does the word “squadron” come from?
The word “squadron” comes from Italian. From Italian squadrone, related to "squad" and "square.".
Is “squadron” a common word?
“Squadron” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “squadron” have?
“Squadron” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a military unit, especially in the air force or navy, made up of several smaller groups.
What is the difference between a "squadron" and a "battalion"?
A squadron is typically a military unit found in the air force, navy, or cavalry, made up of several smaller groups such as flights or troops. A battalion is a larger army infantry unit, usually composed of several companies. The terms are used in different branches of the military and are not directly interchangeable.
Is "squadron" used only for aircraft?
No, while "squadron" is commonly associated with groups of aircraft in the air force, it also refers to units of cavalry or armored vehicles, as well as naval detachments of ships. The term applies across multiple branches of the military, not just aviation. Context usually clarifies which type of squadron is meant.
How large is a typical squadron?
The exact size of a squadron varies depending on the branch of military and country, as it is made up of several smaller subordinate groups. There is no single fixed number that applies universally. The term describes a level of organization rather than a precise headcount.
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