What is squad car? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of squad car in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of squad car

squad carnoun
xe tuần tra
/ˈskwɒd kɑː(r)//ˈskwɑːd kɑːr/

Where does the word squad car come from?

The term "squad car" originated in the United States in the late 1920s as a way to describe the new patrol vehicles that were being deployed to law enforcement agencies. At that time, police departments were starting to transition from horse-drawn carriages to motorized vehicles in order to respond more quickly to emergencies and cover larger geographic areas. The original police cars were typically repurposed civilian vehicles, but by the late 1920s, manufacturers began producing special vehicles specifically designed for law enforcement use. These vehicles were equipped with features that made them more functional and safer for officers, such as radios, two-way communication systems, and reinforced doors and windows. The word "squad" comes from the police term "squad car", which refers to a group of officers assigned to a specific patrol area. The use of the term "squad car" to describe these vehicles was perhaps a way to emphasize their role in supporting and augmenting the work of law enforcement teams. In short, "squad car" has come to refer to a police vehicle used to transport officers, which is deployed in pairs or in small groups to provide ongoing patrol and support services for a specific geographic area.

Example of vocabulary squad carnamespace

As the police pursued the speeding car through the city, a squad car with flashing lights joined the chase.
The officer in the squad car radioed for backup and reported the suspect's location to the dispatcher.
The police squad car parked outside the bank as officers prepared to negotiate with the armed robber inside.
The squad car's loudspeaker crackled as the officer ordered the suspect to exit the car with his hands up.
The squad car's siren blared as it sped past the red light, sending a shower of sparks flying from the fire hydrant it nearly struck.