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DictionaryplatoonMilitary unit
noun

platoon

pluh-TOON/pləˈtuːn/

A small military unit made up of several squads.

The platoon stands in formation with its leader beside three squads.

Exactly28 modern soldiers stand in a clear compact formation: one leader beside three squads of nine, a unit smaller than a company; no battle, weapons handling or national insignia, readable formation at card size.
Etymology
platOld Frenchball
+oonFrenchsmall

The literal “little ball” developed into a term for an agglomeration or group of people. In military use, it named a small body of soldiers acting together apart from the main force.

In context

Urban Valor21:25
they attached a platoon of infantry which was us a platoon of National Guard from New York
Soldiers Capture Iraqi Insurgents & Endure Intense Combat in Iraq

More examples

  • Each squad in the platoon has a different assignment.
  • Two platoons guard the entrance to the base.
  • She takes command of the platoon next week.

Forms

platoon · platoons

Similar words

squad
A smaller military unit that forms part of a platoon.
company
A larger military unit usually made up of several platoons.