light infantry

American  

noun

1. foot soldiers with lightweight weapons and minimal field equipment.

2. infantry units with a minimal number of crew-served weapons and other supporting equipment.

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Etymology

Origin of light infantry

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington DC, estimates that Hezbollah has around 30,000 active fighters and up to 20,000 reserves, mostly trained as mobile small units of light infantry.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2024

Under the new Army plan, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, now based in Alaska, would be converted to a light infantry brigade.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2022

“He’s used to a different kind of lifestyle,” Powell replied, “and I’m not quite sure he would be up to being chased around the countryside by Army Rangers, Special Forces and light infantry units.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 18, 2021

In 2017, a woman was accepted into the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, an elite light infantry unit that operates alongside the Army’s most prestigious commando teams under the Joint Special Operations Command.

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2020

This he found crowded with light infantry and grenadier companies, all in full battle dress.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes