shore patrol

noun

1
: a branch of a navy that exercises guard and police functions compare military police
2
: petty officers detailed to perform police duty while a ship is in port

Examples of shore patrol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web City police, augmented by Navy shore patrols and members of the military police, were called in to break up the vigilante groups. Merrie Monteagudo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2023 An extra 1,000 people in town presents challenges to the local police department, and Lucking expects the Navy will help out by allowing shore patrol officers to ride in the department’s patrol vehicles. Author: Jim Paulin, Anchorage Daily News, 26 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shore patrol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shore patrol was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near shore patrol

Cite this Entry

“Shore patrol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shore%20patrol. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shore patrol

noun
: a branch of a navy with guard and police functions
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