# cadre

/ˈkædɹi/ (US) · /kˈɑːdɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cadre
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a core group of leaders

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a small group of specially trained people who lead or manage a larger organization.

For teachers: a core group of trained personnel, especially one that forms the framework of a larger organization or manages its operations.

- The party relied on a small cadre of dedicated activists to organize the local elections.
- The new CEO brought in a cadre of experienced managers to oversee the restructuring of the failing departments.

Usage: Usually a collective noun; can refer to the group as a whole or an individual member within it.

### 2. military framework

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

a group of officers and experienced soldiers who train new members of a military unit.

For teachers: the permanent framework of a military unit, consisting of officers and non-commissioned officers, around which the unit is expanded or formed.

- A small cadre of veteran soldiers remained behind to train the new recruits.
- The regiment was reduced to a cadre after the war, maintaining only enough officers to allow for rapid expansion if needed.

Usage: Often used in the context of 'cadre strength' or 'cadre training'.

### 3. a framework

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

the basic structure or frame of something.

For teachers: a physical or conceptual framework or skeleton.

- The wooden cadre of the old building was still strong after a hundred years.
- The architect examined the steel cadre of the skyscraper to ensure it could support the additional weight of the glass panels.

Teaching tip: In modern English, 'framework' or 'structure' is almost always preferred for physical objects; this sense is rare outside of specific technical or older texts.

## Examples

- The company hired a small cadre of experts to lead the project.
- A cadre of experienced officers remained behind to train the new recruits before the main force deployed.
- The revolutionary movement was driven by a disciplined cadre of intellectuals who spent years organizing local workers before the first public protests began.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.