Definition of "squad"

A group of people organized for some common purpose, usually of about ten members.

1. A unit of tactical military personnel, or of police officers, usually of about ten members.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • A squad of soldiers ordered them to disperse but instead of doing so they commenced throwing ice and rocks.

     1912, The New England magazine, volume 47

2. (cricket, soccer, rugby) A group of potential players from whom a starting team and substitutes are chosen.  examples

3. (informal) A collective noun for a group of squid.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • At one point, the 400-ton Calypso was brought to a standstill by a squad of squid which clogged the engines and caused a power failure. Other, highlights included an attack by predatory blue sharks, […]

     1970, TV Guide, volume 18

   • The Sea Life Centre retains a squad of squid and such.

     2002, Let's Go Inc., Let's Go 2003: Britain & Ireland, Let's Go Publications

   • There's several new symbols next to the doorway symbol. Beso pushed all six of them without waiting to see what they brought; like a herd of charging rhinos or rampaging squad of squid. Next best thing though.

     2012, S. Louis King, Gnome Home Papers, AuthorHouse, page 546

   • I pulled in as deep a breath as my gag allowed and began relaxing my body. I used a little trick I'd learned in college. I imagined that a friendly squad of squid were massaging every muscle on the bottoms of my feet; the tension began to drain.

     2017, Kristen Joy Wilks, Athens Ambuscade, Pelican Ventures Book Group

(slang) One's friend group, taken collectively; one's peeps.  quotations

(intransitive) To act as part of, or on behalf of, a squad.  examples

(transitive, US, medical slang) To transport by ambulance.

(UK, dialect) Sloppy mud.  quotations  examples