C1noun1K

Squad

UK /["/skwɒd/"]/US /["/skwɑːd/"]/

Definition

a section of a police force that deals with a particular type of crime

In simple words: A small group of people who work or play together.

Examples

  • The police squad quickly arrived at the scene to control the situation.
  • Our soccer squad has been training hard for the upcoming championship.
  • He was assigned to a fire rescue squad specializing in hazardous materials.
  • The tactical squad executed the operation flawlessly under tight security.
  • A squad of hackers managed to breach the company’s cybersecurity system.

Usage notes

Often used in informal contexts to refer to friends, teammates, or a group with a shared purpose. It may not be appropriate in formal writing or speeches.

Grammar pattern

squad + noun (e.g., squad leader)

Memory hint

Sounds like 'squadron' — imagine a cool squad of pilots flying together!

Collocations

  • elite
  • anti-terrorist
  • bomb
  • lead
  • detective
  • officer
  • leader
  • in a/​the squad
  • good
  • strong
  • first-team
  • lead
  • join
  • make
  • member
  • player
  • in a/​the squad
  • on the squad
  • elite
  • anti-terrorist
  • bomb
  • lead
  • detective
  • officer
  • leader
  • in a/​the squad
  • firing
  • assassination
  • death
  • lead
  • form
  • leader
  • member

Synonyms

  • group
  • team
  • crew
  • gang
  • band

Antonyms

  • individual
  • lone

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'squad' with 'team', as 'squad' is often smaller or more casual.
  • Using 'squad' for formal groups where 'group' or 'team' would be better.
  • Using 'squadrons' when referring to a casual group.