brigade
A large group of soldiers that forms an important unit in an army, usually led by a senior officer.
A large, organized military unit made up of several smaller units, usually commanded by a brigadier or brigadier general.
A group of people who work together to do one main job, especially to help or protect others.
A group of people organized to do a particular job, especially public service or emergency work.
Used with another word, a funny or critical name for people who all think or act the same way.
Used with a descriptive word, a slightly humorous or critical name for people who share a strong opinion, habit, or way of behaving.
To put people into groups so they can work or act together in an organized way.
To arrange people into organized groups, especially for work, campaigning, or another coordinated activity.
- Base: brigade
- Plural: brigades
fire brigade
1organized group of firefighters
The official group of people whose job is to stop fires and rescue people when there is a fire, especially in British English.
- Someone called the fire brigade when smoke started coming from the roof.
- The local fire brigade is looking for new volunteers.
the [something] brigade
1humorous or critical group label
A joking or critical way to talk about people who all think or act the same way, by putting a word before 'brigade', for example 'the fashion brigade' or 'the anti-smoking brigade'.
- The early-rising brigade had already finished their workout by 7 a.m.
- He complained that the health-food brigade was ruining the office parties.