peloton

[ pel-uh-ton, pel-uh-ton; French plaw-tawn ]

/ ˈpɛl əˌtɒn, ˌpɛl əˈtɒn; French plɔˈtɔ̃ /

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noun Cycling.

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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Origin of peloton

First recorded in 1935–40; from French: literally, “little ball (especially of thread), small body of soldiers”; see also platoon, peloton²

Words nearby peloton

peloria, pelorize, pelorus, pelota, Pelotas, peloton, pelt, peltast, peltate, peltation, pelter

Other definitions for peloton (2 of 2)

peloton²

[ pel-uh-ton, pel-uh-ton; French plaw-tawn ]

/ ˈpɛl əˌtɒn, ˌpɛl əˈtɒn; French plɔˈtɔ̃ /

noun

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

Also called pel·o·ton glass

[pel-uh-ton glas] /ˈpɛl əˌtɒn ˈglæs/ .

Origin of peloton

First recorded in 1710–20; from French: literally, “ball, ball of string,” equivalent to pelote “ball” + -on diminutive suffix; see pellet, peloton¹

How to use peloton in a sentence

The suite has everything from a peloton cycle to a hot tub for eight.
Blogging my first overseas vacation since COVID|Peter Rosenstein|October 19, 2021|Washington Blade
The peloton then tackles a series of hilly and flat stages across northeastern France, before heading into the Vosges.
There’s Finally a Legitimate Tour de France for Women|Fred Dreier|October 15, 2021|Outside Online
Green means “conservative,” when you’re sitting in the peloton saving energy.
Inside the Decision-Making of a Tour de France Team|mmirhashem|July 29, 2021|Outside Online
In fact, he may have been the only person in the entire pro road peloton with the ability to do it.
Meet Lachlan Morton, The Man Who Rode the Tour de France Route Solo|agintzler|July 13, 2021|Outside Online

A rider will lead the race alone for a hundred-some-odd kilometers and then get gobbled up by the charging peloton just meters from the finish.
My Dad’s Last Tour de France|Ian Dille|June 28, 2021|Outside Online
He never could get past a climb among the 50 to 80 best in the peloton.
Lance Armstrong’s Shadow Looms Large Over 100th Edition of Tour de France|Tracy McNicoll|October 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He said riders have always considered Armstrong two years ahead of the peloton when it came to doping.
Lance Armstrong’s Teammate Tells All: ‘The Secret Race’ By Tyler Hamilton|The Daily Beast|September 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I gave twenty francs to the troopers of my peloton to drink my health, and I did not forget my friends Titi and Piatte.
Trooper 3809|Lionel Decle
Sergeants drill the men of their peloton, and are responsible to their Lieutenant for the horses of their peloton.
Trooper 3809|Lionel Decle
Whenever the peloton is ordered to assemble, the Sergeant passes through the rooms to see that the troopers are getting ready.
Trooper 3809|Lionel Decle
By de Lanoy's advice I gave Titi five francs to buy a two-gallon jar of wine for the troopers belonging to my peloton.
Trooper 3809|Lionel Decle
He granted de Lanoy's request, and put me in his peloton, ordering him at the same time to assign me a bed.
Trooper 3809|Lionel Decle

British Dictionary definitions for peloton

peloton

/ (ˈpɛləˌtɒn) /

noun

cycle racing the main field of riders in a road race

Word Origin for peloton

C20: French, literally: pack

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012