platoon

noun

pla·toon | \ plə-ˈtün,

pla-\

Definition of platoon

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a subdivision of a company-sized military unit normally consisting of two or more squads or sections

2 : a group of persons sharing a common characteristic or activity a platoon of waiters especially : a group of football players who are trained for either offense or defense and are sent into or withdrawn from the game as a body

platoon

verb

platooned; platooning; platoons

Definition of platoon (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to play (one player) alternately with another player in the same position (as on a baseball team)

intransitive verb

1 : to alternate with another player at the same position

2 : to use alternate players at the same position

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about platoon

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Examples of platoon in a Sentence

Noun

will need a platoon of assistants to mount the display at the spring flower show

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Freight has been a prominent target of autonomous vehicle research, although in the US most of the hype surrounds freight trucks, which could be run in platoon formation to cut down on highway traffic. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Mining co. says first autonomous freight train network fully operational," 30 Dec. 2018 In 1996, there were few European and American tourists—other than veterans looking for missing platoon mates and pieces of their younger selves. — Pilar Guzmán, Condé Nast Traveler, "Editor's Letter: Coming Full Circle," 13 Nov. 2018 If Sisco continues on his current trajectory, the end game of this early-season platoon might become clear quickly. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles catcher Chance Sisco making most of consistent starts, has best defensive day of career," 21 Apr. 2018 But Anderson has been at his best as part of a platoon, either as the starter or complementary back. — Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY, "C.J. Anderson joins Carolina Panthers, will platoon with Christian McCaffrey," 7 May 2018 The Dodgers avoid the usage of strict platoon, and decide playing time based on more granular data than simply from which side of the plate a batter uses. — Andy Mccullough, latimes.com, "Dodgers looking for opportunities to use Joc Pederson," 31 Mar. 2018 His platoon fought in the northernmost section of the war zone. — Jen Fifield, azcentral, "For Vietnam veteran, traveling memorial in Surprise brings memories he can't forget," 30 June 2018 But de Melo is an army of one; the Portuguese soldiers and their platoon of Angolans never arrive. — Sheila Glaser, New York Times, "A Fable of Mozambique, Its Bloodshed and Myths," 8 June 2018 Pirela platoon Jose Pirela, who started 65 of the Padres’ first 67 games, is in the lineup Saturday against the Diamondbacks for just the second time this week and the 15th time in the past 34 games. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres notes: Green monitors trade rumors; Ellis-Ross pairing; Pirela's platoon," 7 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Companies like Peloton Technology are developing freight platooning systems that let large trucks follow one another at short distances to improve fuel economy. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "The future of urban mobility will be shaped by these six issues," 18 Dec. 2018 Jamie Hyneman, the former MythBuster, has engineered a firefighting tank that can be platooned and piloted remotely or even autonomously. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "The Tank That's Tougher Than Wildfire," 13 Nov. 2018 Volvo Trucks shows off its platooning trucks during a demo in North Carolina. — Aarian Marshall, WIRED, "This Week in the Future of Cars: Unconventional Wisdom," 1 July 2018 The Indians should consider platooning him more often - the numbers show that is needed. — Terry Pluto, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Indians: Tyler Naquin's rise, worries elsewhere -- Terry Pluto," 13 May 2018 After the deadline-day deal, Mohammed became a key piece on the 2005 championship team, platooning at first with Rasho Nesterovic at center. — Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, "Spurs trade history includes several blockbusters," 26 May 2018 First baseman Eric Thames will be platooned at first base, playing primarily against right-handed starters. — Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, "For Brewers, player surplus means start of season will 'suck for a couple of guys'," 26 Mar. 2018 The lefty hitter will platoon with Brandon Guyer while Chisenhall recovers. — Terry Pluto, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Indians: How they keep winning -- Terry Pluto (photos)," 14 Apr. 2018 Carlos Tocci, the backup center fielder, will continue to platoon on the bench. — Stefan Stevenson, star-telegram, "Injuries have forced Rangers to throw a Round Rock reunion | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 13 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'platoon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.