battalion

noun

bat·​tal·​ion bə-ˈtal-yən 

1

: a considerable body of troops organized to act together : army

2

: a military unit composed of a headquarters and two or more companies, batteries, or similar units

3

: a large group

Synonyms

• army
• array
• host
• legion

Examples of battalion in a Sentence

a battalion of angry protesters

the nation's battalions were forced to fight on two fronts simultaneously

Recent Examples on the Web

The new historical drama, streaming now on Netflix, follows the true story of an all-Black and all-female battalion during World War II. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 19 Dec. 2024

One of those injured was a battalion chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, KSBW-TV reported. —CBS News, 15 Dec. 2024

One person who was injured was a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection battalion chief on duty, according to the AP. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Jim Blackburn, battalion chief with the Waycross Fire Department, said the Georgia Emergency Management Agency has been present since before the hurricane hit. —Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French bataillon, from Old Italian battaglione, augmentative of battaglia company of soldiers, battle, from Late Latin battalia combat — more at battle entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

battalion

noun

bat·​tal·​ion bə-ˈtal-yən 

1

: a large body of troops : army

2

: a military unit composed of two or more smaller units (as companies or batteries)

3

: a large body of persons organized to act together