search party

a group of persons conducting an organized search for someone or something lost or hidden.

Origin of search party

First recorded in 1880–85

Cowed by his fierceness, the search-party promptly obeyed his orders, falling in behind him, and following every movement he made.

In the grip of the Mullah |F. S. Brereton
When daylight broke, a search-party found the little songster's cold, clammy body.

Windjammers and Sea Tramps |Walter Runciman
They might not find it, and a search-party of Wealdians might.

Pariah Planet |Murray Leinster
Mr. Macquoid had sent out a search-party on his own account, for he knew Harding well.

The Bushranger's Secret |Mrs. Henry Clarke

It was the search-party in the act of setting out to explore the recesses of Copsley Wood in quest of the missing children.

Two Little Travellers |Frances Browne Arthur

search party

a group of people taking part in an organized search, as for a lost, missing, or wanted person