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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

peloton

In a sport where the peloton used to pick its moments to exert energy, today's racing is "full gas from the word go" as riders try to find pace advantages in all areas of stages.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

And, more than ever before, he proved that his hold on the peloton is so suffocating that no one even dares attack him anymore.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

A 40-plus strong breakaway had established a lead over the peloton and yellow-jersey wearer Pogacar by several minutes mid-stage, but the main pack began to slowly reel them in.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

ORCIÈRES-MERLETTE, France—As it powers through the towns in the valley, the Tour de France peloton can see the Alpe d’Huez rise above the road long before it reaches the first slopes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

I looked up: an equipage was passing from the gate, a peloton of dragoons escorted it; a second followed at full speed.

From Tom Burke Of "Ours", Volume II by Charles James Lever

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