battalion

[ buh-tal-yuhn ]

noun

1. Military. a ground force unit composed of a headquarters and two or more companies or similar units.
2. an army in battle array.
3. Often battalions. a large number of persons or things; force:

   battalions of bureaucrats.

battalion

/ bəˈtæljən /

noun

1. a military unit comprised of three or more companies or formations of similar size
2. usually plural any large array

Other Words From

• subbat·tali·on noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of battalion¹

1580–90; < Middle French bataillon < Italian battaglione large squadron of soldiers, equivalent to battagli ( a ) battalia ( def ) + -one augmentative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of battalion¹

C16: from French bataillon , from Old Italian battaglione , from battaglia company of soldiers, battle

Example Sentences

Mr McGreanery, a shop assistant, was shot after a member of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – known as Soldier A - opened fire from an Army sanger overlooking the junctions of Eastway, Lone Moor Road and Westland Street.

From BBC

“We do not accept that. We have evidence, and we have indicated, that the 162nd Brigade of the battalion was operating militarily in the area.”

From Salon

She added Mr Tindal-Draper's battalion had told the family in video messages and handwritten letters they held him in high-esteem and he was an inspiration to them in Ukraine.

From BBC

The team helped move the remnants of the battery-powered GoCars to a safe area of the parking lot so they could be properly removed by a hazardous materials contractor, said Battalion Chief Robert Rezende, an expert in lithium-ion battery fires and the region’s first alternative-energy emergency response coordinator.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, Battalion Chief Chad Willenberg told NBC 7 on Thursday night that it could have been the result of overcharging the batteries.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• army
• contingent
• corps
• legion
• squadron
• unit