Brigade: meaning, definitions and examples

An organized and larger military unit typically commanded by a brigadier general, consisting of several battalions.

• The brigade was deployed to the front lines
• The general inspected the entire brigade

A general term for any single military entity capable of independent operation, which can vary in size.

• The unit received orders for the next mission
• Each unit must be ready for rapid deployment

A smaller segment of a larger military force sent on a specific mission or to occupy a specific area.

• A detachment was sent to investigate the situation
• The detachment moved out at dawn

A mid-sized military unit made up of several companies, and usually commanded by a lieutenant colonel.

• Each battalion has its own unique insignia
• The battalion was tasked with securing the area

Use 'brigade' when referring to a large military unit or a group organized for a specific task, especially in a formal or official context.

• The fire brigade arrived quickly to extinguish the blaze.
• He served in an infantry brigade during the war.

'Team' is the most general term and can refer to any group of people working together toward a common goal, particularly in sports, business, or project work.

• Our team is working on a new project this quarter.
• She joined the basketball team in high school.

The term 'squad' is often used to refer to a small group of people working together within a larger organization, and is frequently used in military, police, or sports contexts.

• The SWAT squad was dispatched to handle the situation.
• He was promoted to lead the defense squad.

'Crew' is commonly used to describe a group of people working together, particularly on a ship, aircraft, or in filmmaking.

• The ship's crew worked tirelessly through the night.
• The film crew arrived early to set up the equipment.

Typically used to describe a large group of people, especially a military unit or a specific organization. It can sometimes have a playful or sarcastic tone when referring to non-military groups.

• The fire brigade arrived quickly to put out the flames
• A brigade of volunteers helped clean up the park

Used when people or things need to come together, especially for a formal purpose or event.

• The students will assemble in the auditorium for the meeting
• The parts were quickly assembled into a final product

Often used in a military context, referring to collecting or assembling troops. Can also mean gathering up courage or resources.

• The commander ordered the troops to muster at dawn
• She mustered all her courage to give the speech

Used when people or things are brought together for a casual or informal purpose.

• The family will gather for a reunion this weekend
• Crowds began to gather in the town square