noun Common

cavalry

KA-vuhl-ree

Cavalry (noun) means Soldiers who fight from horseback, or, in modern armies, troops who move by fast, light vehicles. Example: “The cavalry charged across the open field at dawn.”

noun

Soldiers who fight from horseback, or, in modern armies, troops who move by fast, light vehicles.

"The cavalry charged across the open field at dawn."

"Modern cavalry units use armoured vehicles instead of horses."

Figuratively, help that arrives just in time to save the day.

"Just when the deal looked dead, our investor rode in like the cavalry."

How to use cavalry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSoldiers who fight on horseback (or, today, in fast vehicles) — also used loosely for any rescuer who shows up right on time.

Easily confused with

calvary →

Common pairings

send in the cavalry cavalry charge mounted cavalry

Word forms

cavalries plural

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Fill the gap

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The _____ charged across the open field at dawn.

Etymology

From Middle French cavalerie, via Italian cavalleria. In English since the 1540s; a doublet of "chivalry."

Origin: Middle French · First attested 1540

Class of 1540 cavalry joined the language around 1540.

Geraldine miserly qualification rupee

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Synonyms

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horsemen mounted troops

Rhymes for cavalry

rivalry chivalry

See all rhymes for cavalry →

Frequently asked questions

What does “cavalry” mean?

The word “cavalry” means soldiers who fight from horseback, or, in modern armies, troops who move by fast, light vehicles. In plain terms, soldiers who fight on horseback (or, today, in fast vehicles) — also used loosely for any rescuer who shows up right on time.

How do you pronounce “cavalry”?

“Cavalry” is pronounced KA-vuhl-ree (/ˈkæ.vəl.ɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “cavalry” in a sentence?

Here is “cavalry” used in a sentence: “The cavalry charged across the open field at dawn.”

What part of speech is “cavalry”?

“Cavalry” is a noun.

Where does the word “cavalry” come from?

The word “cavalry” dates back to around 1540 and comes from Middle French. From Middle French cavalerie, via Italian cavalleria. In English since the 1540s; a doublet of "chivalry.".

Is “cavalry” a common word?

“Cavalry” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “cavalry” have?

“Cavalry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: soldiers who fight from horseback, or, in modern armies, troops who move by fast, light vehicles.

What is the difference between cavalry and infantry?

Cavalry refers to soldiers who fight from horseback, or in modern armies, troops who move using fast, light vehicles, while infantry refers to soldiers who fight on foot. The key distinction is the cavalry's reliance on speed and mobility.

What does it mean when someone says "the cavalry arrived"?

Figuratively, saying "the cavalry arrived" means that help arrived just in time to save the day, a meaning that extends from the historical military role of cavalry providing timely reinforcement in battle.

Does "cavalry" still refer to horses in modern armies?

Not typically. While cavalry originally meant horseback soldiers, modern armies use the term for troops who move by fast, light vehicles rather than horses.