The word 队伍 is formed by combining two characters, each carrying a related core meaning of a group or formation. The first character, 队, originally depicted a group of people falling into rank or lining up. The second, 伍, historically represented a military squad of five soldiers. When placed together, they create a compound where the meanings reinforce and specify one another, visually and conceptually building from the idea of a small, organized military unit to signify any orderly line or collective group of people.