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

“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

And Hamas said Friday an important battalion commander, Mohammed Hamdan, had also been killed in the same confrontation that killed Sinwar.

From Los Angeles Times

So when I learned that Dadin had joined a battalion of Russian volunteers fighting for Ukraine, I got back in touch and earlier this year and we had a series of long exchanges.

From BBC

In 2014, he was commanding officer of The Highlanders - who were then the last Scottish battalion to serve in a combat role in Afghanistan.

From BBC

Related Words

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