troops

1. 1
   soldiersnounplural

   Soldiers in uniform who serve in an army or other military force.

   The country sent 2,000 troops to help after the earthquake.

   Troops guarded the bridge all night.

   Usage2,000 troops means 2,000 soldiers. Say the troops are or were.

   Similarsoldiers, forces, servicemen

2. 2
   groupsnoun

   Plural of troop. Use it for more than one group of people or animals.

   Three scout troops camped by the lake last weekend.

   We saw troops of monkeys playing in the trees.

   UsageHere it means groups: three scout troops, troops of monkeys.

3. 3
   walk in a groupverb

   Third-person singular present of troop. Use it after he, she, it, or the name of one group.

   The whole class troops into the gym when the bell rings.

   Every summer the family troops down to the beach with chairs and towels.

   UsageUsually with in, out, back or up: the class troops in.

Showing meanings only. Show all 3