army unit smaller than a division
"The general ordered the brigade to advance across the river before dawn."
A group of people organized for a common purpose.
"The volunteer fire brigade responded quickly to extinguish the blaze before it spread further."
In plain English: A brigade is a large group of soldiers organized to fight together as part of an army.
"The fire brigade arrived quickly to put out the blaze."
Usage: A brigade is typically a military unit consisting of several battalions, though the term can also refer to any large group working toward a shared goal in civilian contexts like charity or sports. Use this word when describing an organized collective rather than just a casual gathering of people.
form or unite into a brigade
"The three rifle companies decided to form and unite into a single brigade before advancing."
To form or unite into a brigade; to group together.
"The scattered units were ordered to organize and form a single brigade before the battle began."
In plain English: To brigade means to work together with others toward a common goal, though this usage is rare and often confused with the noun form meaning an organized group of soldiers or workers.
"The community brigade will clean up the park this weekend."
The word entered English from French as brigade, originally referring to a military unit or detachment. It has retained its core meaning of an organized group ever since.