platoon
Platoon (noun) means a military unit of roughly thirty to forty soldiers, usually commanded by a lieutenant, forming part of a larger company. Example: “The platoon advanced under cover of darkness.”
How to use platoon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small military unit, or (in sports) rotating players by matchup.
Word forms
platooned past tense, platoons plural, platoons singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ advanced under cover of darkness.
Etymology
From French peloton, literally "little ball" or "small group," the same root that gives cycling's "peloton."
Rhymes for platoon
See all rhymes for platoon →Frequently asked questions
What does “platoon” mean?
The word “platoon” means a military unit of roughly thirty to forty soldiers, usually commanded by a lieutenant, forming part of a larger company. In plain terms, a small military unit, or (in sports) rotating players by matchup.
How do you pronounce “platoon”?
“Platoon” is pronounced pluh-TOON (/pləˈtuːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “platoon” in a sentence?
Here is “platoon” used in a sentence: “The platoon advanced under cover of darkness.”
What part of speech is “platoon”?
Depending on how it is used, “platoon” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “platoon” come from?
The word “platoon” comes from French. From French peloton, literally "little ball" or "small group," the same root that gives cycling's "peloton.".
Is “platoon” a common word?
“Platoon” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “platoon” have?
“Platoon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a military unit of roughly thirty to forty soldiers, usually commanded by a lieutenant, forming part of a larger company.