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: a group of football players who are trained for either offense or defense and are sent into or withdrawn from the game as a body
platooned; platooning; platoons
: to play (one player) alternately with another player in the same position (as on a baseball team)
1
: to alternate with another player at the same position
2
: to use alternate players at the same position
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
Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
As a right-handed batter with a quality track record against lefties, Bader could fit into a traditional platoon role, offering coverage in all three outfield spots.
—Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Jones and Chandler are likely to platoon a bit throughout the season, depending on availability and defensive matchups.
—Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for platoon
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Noun
Soto would be one of the better arms in Toronto's bullpen while Laureano could slot in as a platoon outfielder.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
As a right-handed batter with a quality track record against lefties, Bader could fit into a traditional platoon role, offering coverage in all three outfield spots.
—Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
When Bregman returns, acquiring Bell would allow Cora to platoon the lefty-crushing González (1.206 OPS in 73 at-bats) at second base with rookie Marcelo Mayer, who appears likely to slide over to second with Bregman reclaiming the hot corner at Fenway Park.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Jones and Chandler are likely to platoon a bit throughout the season, depending on availability and defensive matchups.
—Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for platoon
Cite this Entry
“Platoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platoon. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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