What does paratrooper mean?
A paratrooper is a soldier trained to descend from an aircraft by parachute, usually as part of an airborne infantry unit. The term is closely associated with military operations involving rapid deployment, surprise landings, and insertion into difficult or remote locations. In ordinary use, “paratrooper” specifically denotes a service member, while “parachutist” can refer more broadly to anyone who jumps from an aircraft using a parachute. Paratroopers may also be involved in training, reconnaissance, rescue, disaster response, and other specialized missions, although the word retains strong military associations. It is used naturally in phrases such as “army paratrooper,” “paratrooper training,” and “paratrooper unit.” Because airborne forces require extensive physical preparation, specialized equipment, and disciplined coordination, the term also carries a sense of toughness and elite military capability.
nounA soldier trained to enter battle by parachuting from an aircraft, especially as a member of an airborne infantry unit.
- A soldier trained to parachute from an aircraft into a combat zone or other operational area.
- A member of a military airborne unit whose members are transported by aircraft and dropped by parachute.
"The paratrooper landed safely beside the village and quickly secured the area."
"The paratrooper moved carefully through the tall grass, scanning for movement."
"Many countries maintain elite units made up of experienced paratroopers."
The plural is used when referring to several airborne soldiers or to the members of an airborne unit collectively.
"The paratroopers formed up before moving toward the landing zone."
A paratrooper is a soldier whose arrival may be sudden, silent, and from above.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of paratrooper
“Paratrooper” was formed in the early 20th century from “para-,” a combining form associated with parachuting or airborne descent, and “trooper,” meaning a soldier. The “para-” element ultimately comes through French and Latin from Greek para, meaning “beside” or “alongside,” while the parachuting sense developed through the word “parachute,” from French parachute and Italian paracaduta. The compound became especially prominent during the Second World War, when organized airborne infantry forces expanded. Related terms such as “parachutist,” “paraglider,” and “paragliding” belong to the same broader vocabulary of descent from the air.
Related word forms
How paratrooper is actually used
Primarily a military term. It generally implies a professionally trained soldier, not simply anyone who jumps from an aircraft with a parachute. The word is common in both British and American English.
Easily confused with paratrooper
A parachutist is anyone who descends by parachute, whereas a paratrooper is specifically a soldier trained for airborne military operations.