platoon

noun pla·toon \ plə-ˈtün , pla- \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of platoon

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; especially : a group of football players who are trained for either offense or defense and are sent into or withdrawn from the game as a body

See platoon defined for English-language learners

See platoon defined for kids

Examples of platoon in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of platoon from the Web

Yankees starter Domingo German's reverse platoon made the decision simple.

— chandler rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros, Verlander beat Yankees as bullpen holds on," 28 May 2018
About 300 paces away, a mortar platoon just back from a mission was unloading ammunition from a truck.

— michael e. ruane, Washington Post, "For the man behind the Vietnam Wall, the war’s worst moment did not come in combat," 28 May 2018
Two days later, the men from Gabe's platoon gathered at Fort Logan National Cemetery, near Denver.

— greg jaffe, Anchorage Daily News, "Imperfect answers: A JBER soldier was killed in action, and his parents ask why," 27 May 2018
In addition to the squad quadcopter, each platoon will have a drone, and there will be troops at the company level with counter-drone technology.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The Marine Corps Is Changing the Way It Does Business To Win the Battles of 2025," 15 May 2018
In the weeks before My Lai, Calley’s platoon had suffered casualties when his men wandered into a minefield.

— richard goldstein, BostonGlobe.com, "Ernest Medina, 81, Army captain acquitted in My Lai Massacre," 14 May 2018
In the weeks before My Lai, Lieutenant Calley’s platoon had suffered casualties when his men wandered into a minefield.

— richard goldstein, New York Times, "Ernest Medina, Army Captain Acquitted in My Lai Massacre, Dies at 81," 13 May 2018
The Mueller operation, like the former Marine Corps platoon commander who leads it, is secretive and methodical.

— The Seattle Times, "Buckle up’: As Mueller probe enters second year, Trump and allies go on war footing," 13 May 2018
He's expected to at least platoon in right field for Baltimore.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "Colby Rasmus: 'Chasing the money leaves you kind of empty'," 22 Mar. 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.

Origin and Etymology of platoon

French peloton small detachment, literally, ball, from Middle French pelote little ball — more at pellet

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1547

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

platoon Synonyms

Synonyms

army, band, brigade, company, crew, gang, outfit, party, squad, team;

Related Words

battalion, corps, troop;

force, host, posse, stable, troupe;

help, personnel, staff;

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

platoon

verb

Definition of platoon

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

Recent Examples of platoon from the Web

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
Can’t the Royals platoon him with Lucas Duda at first base?

— maria torres, kansascity, "This is why Frank Schwindel will not be with the Royals on opening day | The Kansas City Star," 28 Mar. 2018
Butler platooned Wideman and Fowler and can do likewise with Fowler and 6-11 Joey Brunk.

— david woods, Indianapolis Star, "Minus Martin, Butler's run of NCAA appearances in jeopardy," 19 Mar. 2018
He has not been exclusively platooned the past two seasons.

— peter schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles notes: Danny Valencia, Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo and Sunday's celebrity bat boys," 10 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of platoon

1963

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

PLATOON Defined for English Language Learners

platoon

noun

Definition of platoon for English Language Learners

: a group of soldiers that includes two or more squads usually led by one lieutenant
: a group of people who are doing something together

PLATOON Defined for Kids

platoon

noun pla·toon \ plə-ˈtün \

Definition of platoon for Students

: a part of a military company usually made up of two or more squads

Learn More about platoon

See words that rhyme with platoon Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for platoon Spanish Central: Translation of platoon Nglish: Translation of platoon for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of platoon for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about platoon

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up platoon? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

platoon

Definition of platoon

Examples of platoon in a Sentence

Recent Examples of platoon from the Web

Origin and Etymology of platoon

platoon Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Military Terms

platoon

Definition of platoon

Recent Examples of platoon from the Web

First Known Use of platoon

PLATOON Defined for English Language Learners

platoon

Definition of platoon for English Language Learners

PLATOON Defined for Kids

platoon

Definition of platoon for Students

Learn More about platoon

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Is it 'On Route' or 'En Route'?

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word