infantry

[ in-fuhn-tree ]

noun

, plural in·fan·tries.

1. soldiers or military units that fight on foot, in modern times typically with rifles, machine guns, grenades, mortars, etc., as weapons.
2. a branch of an army composed of such soldiers.

infantry

/ ˈɪnfəntrɪ /

noun

1. AbbreviationInfinf
   1. soldiers or units of soldiers who fight on foot with small arms
   2. ( as modifier )

      an infantry unit

Other Words From

• non·infan·try noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infantry¹

1570–80; < Italian infanteria, equivalent to infante boy, foot-soldier ( infant ) + -ria -ry

Word History and Origins

Origin of infantry¹

C16: from Italian infanteria, from infante boy, foot soldier; see infant

Example Sentences

Ryan Vanderweit joined the infantry in 2002 and was quickly deployed to Iraq at the beginning of the war.

From Outside Online

Spare blood is not a standard part of an infantry kit, and for good reason.

From Popular-Science

It is the kind of question with huge implications for infantry fights and tactical engagements—a possibly useful weapon on the edge of much more complicated wars.

From Popular-Science

Fascist infantry charged machineguns screaming, “Viva la muerte”— Long live death!

From Time

Same for the elegant officer’s cap with the faded blue infantry band from the early 1900s.

From Washington Post

In Vietnam, Lewis was advisor to a Vietnamese infantry unit, whose nickname for him was “Captain of Many Kilos.”

From The Daily Beast

In the west at Utah Beach the U.S. Fourth Infantry Division encountered almost none, lost 12 men killed in the first 24 hours.

From The Daily Beast

Being there with a company of American infantry was dangerous enough; going there on your own seemed like straight-up suicide.

From The Daily Beast

Stasio would join the Fourth Brigade, Second Infantry Division, “the Raiders,” and deploy to Iraq.

From The Daily Beast

Russian ground forces, including infantry and armor units, are being permanently stationed in key areas.

From The Daily Beast

Fanning and Wharton were to make head against the infantry and cavalry.

From Project Gutenberg

News came that the rebels were plundering the British quarters, and the infantry went there in hot haste.

From Project Gutenberg

Infantry and cavalry approached the island, quite unsuspicious of its being occupied.

From Project Gutenberg

The artillery and 81st were on the right of the line, the native infantry in the center, and the sowars on the left.

From Project Gutenberg

With that sum, twice as much infantry could be maintained as that which your Majesty has here.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• infantrymen