regiment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Military / Technical
Quick answer
What does “regiment” mean?
A permanent unit of an army, typically consisting of several battalions and forming part of a brigade.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A permanent unit of an army, typically consisting of several battalions and forming part of a brigade.
To subject to strict order, uniformity, or rigid control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both noun and verb are used in both varieties. The verb's negative connotation is universal.
Connotations
Noun: Formal, military, institutional. Verb: Often negative, implying excessive or oppressive control.
Frequency
More frequent as a noun than a verb in both varieties. The verb is most common in sociological or critical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “regiment” in a Sentence
regiment + [noun phrase] (e.g., regiment the masses)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “regiment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The school's ethos was to regiment every aspect of the pupils' lives.
- He felt his creativity was being regimented by the corporate structure.
American English
- The new manager regimented the team's schedule down to the minute.
- Their childhood was heavily regimented with lessons and sports.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The CEO's regimented management style stifled innovation.'
Academic
Common in history, military studies, and critical sociology to describe military organisation or social control.
Everyday
Limited; primarily used to describe rigid schedules or overly strict parenting.
Technical
Standard in military terminology to describe a specific tactical formation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “regiment”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “regiment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “regiment”
- Mispronunciation: /reg-ee-MENT/ for the verb (correctly, the stress remains on the first syllable).
- Using 'regiment' (noun) as a general synonym for 'regime' or 'government'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes, it carries connotations of excessive, rigid, and dehumanising control, though it can be used neutrally in organisational contexts.
In modern armies, a regiment is a larger administrative and ceremonial unit, often composed of several battalions. A battalion is a tactical fighting unit.
No, in standard English, both the noun and verb are pronounced with primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈredʒ.ɪ.mənt/ (UK), /ˈredʒ.ə.mənt/ (US).
It can, but it is relatively rare and almost always metaphorical, describing a rigid, militaristic style of management, usually with a critical tone.
A permanent unit of an army, typically consisting of several battalions and forming part of a brigade.
Regiment is usually formal / military / technical in register.
Regiment: in British English it is pronounced /ˈredʒ.ɪ.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈredʒ.ə.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Spit and polish (associated with a regimented lifestyle)”
- “Toe the line (result of being regimented)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REGal army UNIT: A REG-i-MENT is a royal (regal) military unit.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY / LIFE IS AN ARMY (e.g., 'a regimented society', 'regimented daily routine').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'regiment' correctly as a verb?