platoon

[pluh-toon]

noun

1. a military unit consisting of two or more squads or sections and a headquarters.

2. a small unit of a police force.

3. a company or group of persons.

   a platoon of visitors.

4. Football.,  a group of players specially trained in one aspect of the game, as offense or defense, and used as a unit.

   a halfback on the offensive platoon.

verb (used with object)

1. Sports.

   1. to use (a player) at a position in a game alternately with another player or players.

   2. to alternate (two different teams or units), as separate offensive and defensive squads.

verb (used without object)

1. Sports.

   1. to alternate at a position with another player or players.

   2. to use players alternately at the same position.

   3. to alternate different teams.

platoon

/ pləˈtuːn /

noun

1. military a subunit of a company usually comprising three sections of ten to twelve men: commanded by a lieutenant

2. a group or unit of people, esp one sharing a common activity, characteristic, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of platoon¹

1630–40; earlier plotton < French peloton little ball, group, platoon, diminutive of pelote ball. See pellet, -oon

Word History and Origins

Origin of platoon¹

C17: from French peloton little ball, group of men, from pelote ball; see _pellet

Example Sentences

It marked the first time that the native Californians met their extended family, including a platoon of curious cousins.

From Los Angeles Times

A retreat is abandoned when the platoon’s armored carrier gets stuck.

From Los Angeles Times

While Call’s role wasn’t immediately clear, he could factor into a platoon with recently resurgent left-handed hitting outfielder Michael Conforto.

From Los Angeles Times

La migra spread across MacArthur Park yesterday morning like a platoon ready for war.

From Los Angeles Times

"We joined our battalion, as a platoon of 30 neighbours," he told me.

From BBC

Related Words

• batch 
• detachment 
• patrol 
• squad 
• squadron