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 of battalion

• army

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

All five of the department's units - four engines, a ladder truck, and a battalion chief, along with units from Central Fire and Scotts Valley Fire districts responded, as did the Santa Cruz Police Department. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

After the ceremony, De la Espriella planned to travel to a military battalion in Cali to address the troops. — Astrid Suárez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Kelsey Whetro is a battalion chief for the KCFD, and one of the four coordinators in charge of Camp Fury. — Julianna Mejia july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

The battalion was once again redeployed to the West Bank 30 days later after undergoing an education seminar and additional training. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

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

Rhymes for battalion

• italian
• medallion
• scallion
• stallion

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