# squadron

/ˈskwɑdɹən/ (US) · /skwˈɒdɹən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/squadron
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. aircraft unit

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The fighter squadron was ordered to take off immediately when the alarm sounded.
- After completing their training, the pilots were assigned to an operational squadron based in the northern territories for coastal patrol duties.

### 2. naval unit

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- A squadron of destroyers moved into the harbour to protect the cargo ships.
- The admiral dispatched a small squadron to monitor the strait, ensuring that no unauthorised vessels could bypass the blockade undetected.

### 3. cavalry or armoured unit

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The tank squadron moved across the field in a tight formation.
- Historically, a cavalry squadron comprised several troops, serving as the basic tactical element for battlefield manoeuvres.

### 4. to organise into units

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

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

- The commander decided to squadron the new recruits for better training.
- The fleet was squadroned according to vessel speed and armament to ensure maximum efficiency during the long-range transit.

## Examples

- The air force sent a squadron of planes to the base.
- A squadron of rescue boats patrolled the coast after the storm to look for survivors.
- The admiral ordered the entire destroyer squadron to maintain radio silence while they navigated the narrow strait under the cover of darkness.

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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.