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

• army
• array
• host
• legion

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

Citygate also provided a comprehensive staffing recommendation and phasing plan which laid out the addition of 25 full-time positions including 14 firefighters, six captains, three battalion chiefs, an administrative support staff and a fire inspector. —Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

The battalion chief all Metro Fire personnel have been sent an information bulletin notifying them of the sheriff’s policy change. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 7 Feb. 2025

His battalion has almost no reserves, forcing infantry units to hold frontline positions for weeks at a time. —Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2025

It’s been months since the Ukrainian battalion stationed on the frosty, rutted frontline has received a new armored personnel carrier to take men forward, supply munitions and evacuate the wounded. —Erin Banco, Anastasiia Malenko, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025

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

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