What does "squadron" mean?

1. (aircraft unit) a group of military planes and the people who fly and maintain them. 2. (naval unit) a small group of warships sent to do a specific job. 3. (cavalry or armoured unit) a unit of soldiers in the army, especially those using horses or tanks. 4. (to organise into units) to divide a large group of people or vehicles into smaller squadrons.

squadron

n. · v.

US //ˈskwɑdɹən// UK //skwˈɒdɹən// squadron

1 aircraft unit (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a group of military planes and the people who fly and maintain them.

the primary operational unit in an air force, typically consisting of two or more flights of aircraft and their associated personnel.

Example

The fighter squadron was ordered to take off immediately when the alarm sounded.

Example

After completing their training, the pilots were assigned to an operational squadron based in the northern territories for coastal patrol duties.
2 naval unit (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a small group of warships sent to do a specific job.

a detachment of warships or auxiliary vessels assigned to a particular task or station under a single command.

Example

A squadron of destroyers moved into the harbour to protect the cargo ships.

Example

The admiral dispatched a small squadron to monitor the strait, ensuring that no unauthorised vessels could bypass the blockade undetected.

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3 cavalry or armoured unit (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

a unit of soldiers in the army, especially those using horses or tanks.

a principal division of a cavalry or armoured regiment, usually commanded by a major or captain.

Example

The tank squadron moved across the field in a tight formation.

Example

Historically, a cavalry squadron comprised several troops, serving as the basic tactical element for battlefield manoeuvres.
4 to organise into units (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical

to divide a large group of people or vehicles into smaller squadrons.

to organise or divide troops, vessels, or aircraft into squadrons for tactical purposes.

Example

The commander decided to squadron the new recruits for better training.

Example

The fleet was squadroned according to vessel speed and armament to ensure maximum efficiency during the long-range transit.

Origin

From Italian squadrone. See squad.