What does platoon mean?

Definitions for platoon
pləˈtunpla·toon

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word platoon.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. platoonnoun

    a military unit that is a subdivision of a company; usually has a headquarters and two or more squads; usually commanded by a lieutenant

  2. platoonnoun

    a team of policemen working under the military platoon system

  3. platoonnoun

    a group of persons who are engaged in a common activity

    "platoons of tourists poured out of the busses"; "the defensive platoon of the football team"

Wiktionary

  1. platoonnoun

    A unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a lieutenant and forming part of a company.

  2. platoonverb

    To alternate starts with a teammate of opposite handedness, depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher

    Taylor has been hitting poorly against left-handers, and Morgan has been hitting poorly against right-handers, so they will platoon.

  3. Etymology: From obsolete plauton, variant of peloton, from pelote + -on. Compare pellet.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Platoonnoun

    A small square body of musketeers, drawn out of a batallion of foot, when they form the hollow square, to strengthen the angles: the grenadiers are generally thus posted; yet a party from any other division is called a platoon, when intending to far from the main body. Military Dict.

    Etymology: a corruption of peloton, Fr.

    In comely wounds shall bleeding worthies stand,
    Webb’s firm platoon, and Lumly’s faithful band. Thomas Tickell.

Wikipedia

  1. Platoon

    A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two or more squads, sections, or patrols. Platoon organization varies depending on the country and the branch, but a platoon can be composed of 50 people, although specific platoons may range from 10 to 100 people. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer. The platoon leader is usually a junior officer—a second or first lieutenant or an equivalent rank. The officer is usually assisted by a platoon sergeant. Rifle platoons normally consist of a small platoon headquarters and three or four sections (Commonwealth) or squads (United States). In some armies, platoon is used throughout the branches of the army. In a few armies, such as the French Army, a platoon is specifically a cavalry unit, and the infantry use "section" as the equivalent unit. A unit consisting of several platoons is called a company or a battery.

ChatGPT

  1. platoon

    A platoon is a military unit typically comprised of two or more squads or sections and led by a lieutenant. It usually consists of 15 to 45 soldiers, and may be further divided into smaller teams or crews. It forms part of a company, squadron, or group in the structure of an army. Outside the military, the term platoon can also refer to a group of people working, acting, or progressing together.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Platoonnoun

    formerly, a body of men who fired together; also, a small square body of soldiers to strengthen the angles of a hollow square

  2. Platoonnoun

    now, in the United States service, half of a company

  3. Etymology: [F. peloton a ball of thread, a knot or group of men, a platoon, from pelote a ball formed of things wound round. See Pellet.]

Wikidata

  1. Platoon

    A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 26 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the platoon leader or platoon commander, usually a lieutenant. He is usually assisted by a senior non-commissioned officer—the platoon sergeant. In some armies, platoon is used throughout the branches of the army. In others, such as the British Army, most platoons are infantry platoons, while some carry other designations such as tank, mortar, or heavy weapons platoons. In a few armies, such as the French Army, a platoon is specifically a cavalry unit, and the infantry use "section" as the equivalent unit.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Platoon

    pla-tōōn′, n. a number of recruits assembled for exercise—originally a small body of soldiers in a hollow square, to strengthen the angles of a longer formation: a subdivision of a company. [Fr. peloton, a ball, a knot of men—pelote—L. pĭla, a ball.]

Dictionary of Nautical Terms

  1. platoon

    Originally a small square body or subdivision of musketeers; hence, platoon exercise, that which relates to the loading and firing of muskets in the ranks; and platoon firing, i.e. by subdivisions.

Military Dictionary and Gazetteer

  1. platoon

    Probably from the French peloton, a “ball of thread,” a “knot,” was a term formerly used in the English service to designate a body of men who fired together. In U. S. tactics, it is now a recognized subdivision of a company, being one-half.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of platoon in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of platoon in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3

Examples of platoon in a Sentence

  1. Michael Douglas:

    You look back at Oliver Stones’s career — Jimmy Woods in' El Salvador,' Charlie Sheen in' Platoon,' Tom Cruise in' Born On The Fourth of July,' Kevin Costner in' JFK,' Val Kilmer in' The Doors' — and every actor has probably given their best performance with Oliver Stones, because, whether it is his Vietnam mentality, he wants you in the trenches with him.

  2. Randy Tobler:

    It makes me cry -- so many people have banded together, it's like an Army platoon charging up the hill.

  3. Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky:

    There is a talk of a platoon, roughly 100 people, who would take part in the alliance's contingent, if the preparation of the (NATO) brigade goes according to plan, and I believe it will, then it is very likely in the second half (of this year).

  4. Laura Yeager:

    Definitely being in command are the assignments and memories I most cherish, all the way from being a platoon leader to brigade command, i was especially proud to have commanded the same brigade, the 40th CAB, my father once commanded.

  5. Benard Keter:

    Being in the Army is a life-changing experience. You have your chain of command. You have your teammates. You have soldiers in the platoon. You have soldiers in the company. It’s a great family to be in.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

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Translations for platoon

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"platoon." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/platoon>.

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