peloton

¹ American  

[pel-uh-ton, pel-uh-ton, plaw-tawn] / ˈpɛl əˌtɒn, ˌpɛl əˈtɒn, plɔˈtɔ̃ /

noun

Cycling.

1. a large pack or cluster of bicyclists in a road race, riding closely together to reduce wind resistance and conserve their energy.

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peloton ² American  

[pel-uh-ton, pel-uh-ton, plaw-tawn] / ˈpɛl əˌtɒn, ˌpɛl əˈtɒn, plɔˈtɔ̃ /

noun

1. an ornamental glass made in Bohemia in the late 19th century, usually having a striated overlay of glass filaments in a different color.

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peloton British  

/ ˈpɛləˌtɒn /

noun

1. cycle racing the main field of riders in a road race

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Etymology

Origin of peloton¹

First recorded in 1935–40; from French: literally, “little ball (especially of thread), small body of soldiers”; platoon ( def. ), peloton ²

Origin of peloton²

First recorded in 1710–20; from French: literally, “ball, ball of string,” equivalent to pelote “ball” + -on diminutive suffix; pellet, peloton ¹

Example Sentences

Peloton’s new cardio machines feature Peloton IQ movement-tracking cameras that assess form and count reps for more than 60 strength-training moves.

From The Wall Street Journal

As disappointed buyers of Clorox, Peloton or Campbell Soup at the height of the pandemic will tell you, there’s no sense sticking around when a brief sales bonanza is welcomed with such fanfare.

From The Wall Street Journal

Skaters bide their time in a peloton—before trying to break away from the bunch with a decisive burst.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s whether or not he could adapt to the frenzy of a 100-plus rider peloton.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The peloton is a tricky thing,” said Vaughters.

From The Wall Street Journal