# guerilla

/ɡɝˈɪɫə/ (US) · /ɡɛɹˈɪlɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guerilla
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a small group of soldiers or fighters who use quick, surprise attacks to fight a larger, more powerful army. They usually hide in the forest or mountains and strike when the enemy is not ready.

For teachers: a small, mobile group of combatants who use unconventional tactics and surprise to combat a larger, more conventional force. Often used in the plural to refer to the collective strategy of such units.

## Examples

- The guerilla fighters hid in the hills to avoid the main army.
- During the conflict, the guerilla units focused on destroying supply lines and communication hubs rather than engaging in large battles.
- The historian argues that the success of the guerilla campaign was largely due to the local population's deep knowledge of the terrain and their ability to blend into the environment.

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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.