platoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical (military), Specialized (sports).
Quick answer
What does “platoon” mean?
A small military unit, typically a subdivision of a company, commanded by a lieutenant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small military unit, typically a subdivision of a company, commanded by a lieutenant.
A group of people working together or sharing a common activity, such as in sports (e.g., a group of players used in rotation) or other organized systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Both use it for the standard military subunit. In sports (baseball/american football), 'platoon' as a verb (to alternate players) is predominantly AmE.
Connotations
In both, the military connotation is primary and strong. The sports usage is more established in American English.
Frequency
Higher frequency in AmE due to sports jargon. In BrE, almost exclusively military/police.
Grammar
How to Use “platoon” in a Sentence
[verb] + platoon: command/lead/join a platoon[adjective] + platoon: rifle/armoured/mobile platoon[preposition] + platoon: in a platoon, of a platoonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “platoon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager decided to platoon the two strikers based on the opponent's defence.
- Rare in general BrE.
American English
- The coach will platoon the quarterbacks in the first few games.
- In baseball, they platoon left-handed and right-handed batters.
adverb
British English
- Not used.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- Rare. 'Platoon-level tactics' (military technical).
American English
- The team uses a platoon system at the designated hitter position.
- He was a platoon player, not an everyday starter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could metaphorically refer to a project team, but highly stylized.
Academic
In military history, sociology of organizations.
Everyday
Limited. Used when discussing military topics or sports (AmE).
Technical
Standard in military science, sports management (player rotation).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “platoon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “platoon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “platoon”
- Using 'platoon' as a synonym for any large crowd (e.g., 'a platoon of tourists').
- Confusing it with 'peloton' (cycling term).
- Misspelling as 'platton' or 'plattoon'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary meaning is military, it is also used in sports (especially North American) to describe a system of rotating players, and occasionally for other organized groups like police units.
It varies by country and branch, but typically a platoon consists of 20-50 soldiers, subdivided into sections or squads, and is part of a larger company.
A platoon is an army or marine infantry unit. A squadron is typically a unit in an air force, cavalry, or armoured unit, and is often larger, equivalent to a company or battalion.
It would sound unusual and overly militaristic. Terms like 'group', 'gang', or 'crew' are more natural for informal friend groups.
A small military unit, typically a subdivision of a company, commanded by a lieutenant.
Platoon: in British English it is pronounced /pləˈtuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /pləˈtuːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard. 'Platoon system' in sports (AmE).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'platoon' as 'plat' (like a flat, organized formation) + '-oon' (suggesting a unit), like a balloon is a unit of air.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION IS AN ARMY (e.g., 'We deployed our sales platoon'). A GROUP IS A MILITARY UNIT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'platoon' used as a VERB most naturally?