What does patrol mean?
Patrol denotes both a security-related group and the activity of moving around an area to keep watch. A patrol may consist of police officers, soldiers, guards, wildlife workers, or other personnel, and its purpose can include detecting danger, enforcing rules, monitoring borders, or searching an area. The related verb, “to patrol,” is used for the repeated or systematic movement itself: an aircraft might patrol a coastline, while officers patrol a neighborhood or venue. In everyday use, patrol often carries a military or law-enforcement association, although it is also standard in contexts such as park management, coastal surveillance, and security inspections. The word conveys vigilance and movement within a defined area rather than merely spending time there.
A person or group that moves around an area to maintain security, monitor conditions, or enforce regulations; also, the activity of doing this.
"The patrol reported that the road was clear."
In military and law-enforcement contexts, a patrol is usually an organized group or vehicle making regular rounds.
To travel regularly around an area in order to maintain security, observe conditions, or enforce regulations.
"Volunteers patrol the beach each morning."
Often used with an area, route, border, or territory that is being monitored.
The plural is used for separate groups or rounds of people, vehicles, or activities, as in “several patrols were dispatched.”
"Several patrols searched the surrounding streets."
From the French patrouille, patrol entered English in the 17th century and developed into a familiar word for moving through dangerous or sensitive territory to keep watch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patrol come from?
English borrowed patrol from French patrouille in the 17th century. The French word refers to a troop or group whose duty is to patrol, and English developed both the noun and verb meanings from this military origin. Related French forms include patrouiller, “to patrol,” and patrouillage, “patrolling” or “patrol duty,” all reflecting the same root.
Related word forms
How patrol is actually used
The word is common in military, police, security, wildlife-management, and border-control contexts. As a verb, it usually implies regular or purposeful movement rather than a single casual visit.