# paras

/pˈæɹəz/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paras
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a short way to say 'paratroopers' — soldiers who jump out of planes with parachutes to go into battle.

For teachers: a colloquial shortening of 'paratroopers', referring to members of a military unit trained to be dropped by parachute into combat zones.

## Examples

- The paras landed behind enemy lines at dawn.
- After completing their rigorous jump training, the new recruits were officially inducted into the paras.
- The deployment of the paras was seen as a strategic necessity, given their ability to bypass traditional ground defences and secure the airfield within minutes of the initial drop.

## Usage notes

- Pluralia tantum in this military sense; takes plural verb agreement.

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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.