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

Last November, 600 soldiers formed a battalion that specialized in drone warfare and was set up to be used as a dedicated unit that could deploy anywhere drones were required. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

The recruitment incentive isn't service-wide; it was proposed exclusively for one battalion. — Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Throughout his career, Grove has been a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and Deputy Chief of Operations. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

The King made a point to greet Corporal Cruachan and his handler during his inspection of the battalion, and the pony appeared to remain well-behaved. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 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