What does troop mean?
A troop is a group of soldiers, especially one organized as a unit within an army; in plural form, troops commonly refers to soldiers collectively. The word can also mean a company or band of people, though this use is less common and often literary. As a verb, to troop means to gather or move along together, as when children troop into a classroom or soldiers troop toward the front. Troop has a strongly military association, but its figurative uses often suggest a large or conspicuous group moving as one. Its historical sense as a band or company explains both the military meaning and the related word troupe, which refers to a group of performers.
A group of soldiers forming an organized unit, especially within a larger military force; in the plural, soldiers collectively.
"A troop of paratroopers landed near the village."
The singular often refers to a specific unit or body of soldiers, while the plural troops usually refers to military personnel collectively.
To gather or move together in a group, especially with a shared destination or purpose.
"The delegates trooped into the hall for the final session."
This verb is somewhat formal or literary and often implies movement or assembly as a group.
Used for soldiers collectively, especially when referring to military forces or personnel; a singular troop can denote a particular unit or body of soldiers.
"The troops withdrew before sunrise."
From a word for a band or company, troop grew into a term for soldiers—and later gave us the familiar military adjective troop movement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does troop come from?
The word entered English in the Middle English period through Old French trope, meaning a band or company. Old French trope was influenced by a Germanic word related to modern German Truppe, and the same broad source is reflected in cognates such as Spanish tropa and Italian truppa. The English word developed primarily in the military sense, while French troupe retained and specialized the related sense of a performing company.
Related word forms
How troop is actually used
In military contexts, troop is usually collective and often appears in the plural form troops. The verb is formal and literary in many uses, especially in phrases such as trooping off or troops of people.
Easily confused with troop
A troop is a military unit or body of soldiers, whereas a troupe is a group of performers who work together, such as actors, dancers, or musicians.