Marshal
'mɑːrʃəl
Definitions
3 meaningsTo arrange or assemble a group, such as troops or people, in an orderly fashion.
'mɑːrʃəl
To arrange or assemble (troops, people, etc.) in an orderly manner.
The police marshaled the crowd to keep them from blocking the street.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're organizing a big game of tag. To marshal everyone means to get all the players into teams and ready to start the game with everyone in their places, like a coach preparing a team.
👶 For kids: To get everyone ready and in the right place, like lining up for recess.
More Examples
She marshaled her arguments before the debate.
The project manager marshaled resources to ensure its completion.
How It's Used
"The general marshaled his troops before the battle."
"The head of the parade marshaled the participants."
To gather and organize elements, often for an argument, a presentation, or a plan.
'mɑːrʃəl
To bring together (something abstract) for a particular purpose.
She marshaled her thoughts before making the difficult decision.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. Marshaling your resources is like gathering all the blocks, sorting them by color, and deciding how they'll fit together to build the best castle.
👶 For kids: Putting all your things together in the order you want to use them.
More Examples
The team marshaled their resources to complete the project on time.
He marshaled the evidence to prove his innocence.
How It's Used
"The lawyer marshaled evidence to support her case."
"He marshaled his arguments carefully before presenting them."
An official who organizes and directs a parade, ceremony, or other event; also, a high-ranking military officer or police official.
'mɑːrʃəl
An official in charge of ceremonies, parades, or other public events.
The parade marshal directed the procession.
💡 Simply: If you are the leader of a parade, the person in charge of making sure it runs smoothly, is the marshal. This person might also be a high-ranking person in the army or police.
👶 For kids: The person who leads a parade or is in charge of important stuff.
More Examples
Field Marshal Montgomery was a famous British military leader.
The US Marshal enforced federal law.
How It's Used
"The Grand Marshal led the parade."
"A field marshal is a high-ranking military officer."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
United States Marshal
A law enforcement officer of the United States federal government, part of the Department of Justice.
"The United States Marshal is responsible for the protection of federal judges and the execution of federal court orders."
field marshal
A very senior military rank in many armies, typically the highest active rank.
"The general was promoted to field marshal after his successful campaign."
marshal arts
Various systems of combat and self-defense, such as judo or karate, that are practiced as a sport.
"She trained in martial arts to improve her fitness."
From Middle English *mareschal*, from Old French *mareschal* ('groom, horse-servant, farrier, marshal'), from Frankish *marhskalk* ('horse servant'), from *marh* ('horse') + *skalk* ('servant').
The word 'marshal' has been used since the 13th century and originally referred to a high-ranking officer in royal households.
Memory tip
Think of a military leader carefully organizing his forces before a battle.
Word Origin
"horse servant"