noun
Common
battalion
buh-TAL-ee-uhn
Battalion (noun) means a large army unit, typically made up of several companies and usually forming part of a brigade or regiment. Example: “The battalion moved into position before dawn.”
noun
1
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."
"Each battalion was made up of several smaller companies of soldiers."
"The general sent a second battalion to guard the bridge."
2
Informally, a large organised group of people or things.
"A battalion of volunteers arrived to help after the flood."
"A battalion of reporters waited outside the theatre for the actors."
"A battalion of cleaners descended on the hall after the party."
How to use battalion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big group of soldiers, or, loosely, any large organised group.
Common pairings
a battalion of troops
infantry battalion
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Word forms
- Plural
- battalions
- Third person singular
- battalions
- Past tense
- battalioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ moved into position before dawn.
Etymology
From Middle French bataillon, ultimately from the same root as "battle."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for battalion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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