Phrase guide

A team

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈeɪ ˌtiːm/
  • Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -iːm

1

noun

Meaning 1

The best of a set of teams in a single club.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • The A team are playing away this Saturday.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A group or team which performs its work most effectively; a very good team.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • It looks like the A team are on duty tonight - I've never seen the hall cleared so quickly!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A country's reserve team or development squad, comprising the best players not selected in the national team.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: ball-games, cricket, games, hobbies, lifestyle, rugby, sports

Examples

  • He was then selected for the South African A team before making his international debut.
  • NSW all-rounder Moises Henriques has been named captain of the Australia A team to play England in Hobart next week.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the letter "A" (indicating the highest rank or quality) + "team".