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
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Five of those states have a firing squad on the books, but only Idaho will have it as its main method for carrying out the death penalty after Gov. Brad Little signed it into law. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2025 Inmates challenged the law, but the state Supreme Court affirmed the legality of a firing squad in 2024, on the basis that a person would suffer no longer than 15 seconds before going unconscious, if shot in the heart. Viola Flowers, NBC news, 9 May 2025 Each hopes to be spared by the figurative firing squad, but predictably, none will be. Viet Thanh Nguyễn, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 In March, Idaho passed legislation designating the firing squad as its primary method of execution, a move supported by Gov. Brad Little. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 8 Apr. 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 6 Jun. 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

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