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”; see also 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; see pellet, peloton ¹

Example Sentences

Vande Velde agreed that the peloton would be a challenge—“banging bars at 60 kilometers per hour in the last 5K…no thank you!”—but he couldn’t help but wonder how Stolz would fare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

With 700 metres left up the steep 2.6km ascent Vine blasted clear and Narvaez was the only rider who could go with him as their attack scattered the peloton.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Someone finally barks “Get him!” as a bunch of agents feebly give chase; the man pedals away like he’s a Tour de France champion with a peloton hot on his trail.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

But riders from several teams were affected, including Spain's Javier Romo who abandoned after a crash on stage 15 when protesters ran toward the advancing peloton.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025

Telegraph to Morsbronn that the inspector of Imperial Police requires a peloton of mounted gendarmes at once.”

From The Maids of Paradise by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)