cavalry

noun

cav·​al·​ry ˈka-vəl-rē 

nonstandard

ˈkal-və-rē 

plural cavalries

1

a

: an army component mounted on horseback

b

: an army component moving in motor vehicles or helicopters and assigned to combat missions that require great mobility

2

: horsemen

a thousand cavalry in flight

Examples of cavalry in a Sentence

Cavalry is used to perform reconnaissance.

The cavalry were brought in to support the mission.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some will garrison Harrenhal, where Aemond is heading, and the bulk will follow to King’s Landing, setting the cavalry on a collision course with Ormund Hightower. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Today, Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle groups nationwide focus on teaching Black military history, using their motorcycles to represent the cavalry. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026

Brazil rang the changes in the second half and the cavalry ran riot, adding some gloss to the scoreline and giving Ancelotti plenty to ponder in the days ahead. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 June 2026

Recruited for his military expertise and commitment to freedom, Pulaski eventually took command of the Pulaski Legion, a cavalry unit composed of American and foreign recruits. — Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

earlier cavallerie, borrowed from Middle French cavalerie, borrowed from Italian cavalleria, earlier cavalaria "group of soldiers on horseback, branch of arms made up of such soldiers," from cavalliere, cavaliere "horseback rider, mounted soldier" + -eria, borrowed from Middle French -erie -ery — more at cavalier entry 2

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cavalry

• cavalry twill

Kids Definition

cavalry

noun

cav·​al·​ry ˈkav-əl-rē 

plural cavalries

: troops mounted on horseback or moving in motor vehicles or helicopters

Etymology

from Italian cavallerie "cavalry, chivalry," from cavaliere "cavalier, knight," derived from Latin caballarius "horseman," from earlier caballus "horse" — related to cavalier, chivalry see Word History at chivalry