battalion
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for battalion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large army unit, typically made up of several companies and usually forming part of a brigade or regiment.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A large army unit, typically made up of several companies and usually forming part of a brigade or regiment.
“The battalion moved into position before dawn.”
How to use battalion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a battalion of troops
infantry battalion
Etymology
From Middle French bataillon, ultimately from the same root as "battle."
Full origin of battalion →Frequently asked questions
What does “battalion” mean?
The word “battalion” means a large army unit, typically made up of several companies and usually forming part of a brigade or regiment. In plain terms, a big group of soldiers, or, loosely, any large organised group.
How do you pronounce “battalion”?
“Battalion” is pronounced buh-TAL-ee-uhn (/bəˈtæl.jən/ in IPA).
How do you use “battalion” in a sentence?
Here is “battalion” used in a sentence: “The battalion moved into position before dawn.”
What part of speech is “battalion”?
“Battalion” is a noun.
Where does the word “battalion” come from?
The word “battalion” comes from Middle French. From Middle French bataillon, ultimately from the same root as "battle.".
Is “battalion” a common word?
“Battalion” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “battalion” have?
“Battalion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large army unit, typically made up of several companies and usually forming part of a brigade or regiment.
What is the difference between a "battalion" and a "regiment"?
A battalion is a military unit typically made up of several companies, while a regiment is usually a larger formation that a battalion forms part of. In most armies, several battalions combine to make a regiment or brigade, making the battalion a smaller, more tactical unit.
Can "battalion" be used outside a military context?
Yes. Informally, "battalion" describes any large, organised group of people or things, as in "a battalion of volunteers" or "a battalion of lawyers." This figurative use emphasises size and coordinated effort rather than actual military structure.
How large is a typical battalion compared to a company?
A battalion is larger than a company, since it is normally composed of several companies grouped together. It usually sits below a brigade or regiment in the overall military hierarchy.
