guerilla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

The standard and historically correct spelling is 'guerrilla' (double 'r'). 'Guerilla' (single 'r') is a common variant and misspelling, though some dictionaries list it as an alternative.

While both may use violence, 'guerrilla' is a military term for an irregular combatant often targeting military or strategic objectives, typically within an armed conflict. 'Terrorist' is a politically charged term focusing on the deliberate targeting of civilians to create fear. The distinction is often subjective and depends on perspective.

Yes, especially in metaphorical contexts. Terms like 'guerrilla marketing', 'guerrilla gardening', or 'guerrilla innovation' carry positive connotations of creativity, resourcefulness, and challenging the status quo with limited means.

No, it's a false cognate. 'Guerrilla' comes from Spanish 'guerra' (war), meaning 'little war'. 'Gorilla' is from Greek, referring to the African ape. The similarity is coincidental and a common source of spelling errors.

A member of a small, independent group that uses irregular warfare tactics against a larger, conventional force.

Guerilla is usually formal, journalistic, military, political in register.

Guerilla: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˈrɪl.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈrɪl.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.