firing squad

noun

1
: a detachment detailed to fire volleys over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a detachment detailed to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

Examples of firing squad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On March 7, Brad Sigmon was executed in the first U.S. firing squad death in 15 years and only the fourth since 1976. Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2025 Mahdi’s execution came after Brad Sigmon was put to death in South Carolina on March 7, during what marked the first U.S. firing squad death in 15 years and the fourth since 1976. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025 South Carolina carried out the firing squad execution execution of Brad Keith Sigmon last month in what was the first execution to use the method in the country in 15 years. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 The Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association took no position on the firing squad bill, and a spokesperson for the organization declined to comment to the Statesman. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for firing squad

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of firing squad was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Firing squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firing%20squad. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

firing squad

noun
fir·​ing squad
ˈfī(ə)r-iŋ-
1
: a military unit assigned to fire shots over the grave of one buried with military honors
2
: a military unit assigned to carry out a sentence of death by shooting

More from Merriam-Webster on firing squad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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