(in World War II)

any of the specially trained Allied military units used for surprise, hit-and-run raids against Axis forces.

a member of any of these units. Compare ranger ( def. 3 ) .

any military unit organized for operations similar to those of the commandos of World War II.

a member of a military assault unit or team trained to operate quickly and aggressively in especially urgent, threatening situations, as against terrorists holding hostages.