battalion

/bəˈtæljən/

/bəˈtæljən/

Other forms: battalions

A battalion is a unit of an army. One battalion usually consists of three or more companies and a headquarters.

The word battalion sounds a lot like battle, and that's a clue to its meaning: battalions are groups engaged in a battle. Specifically, a battalion is a smaller segment of an army. Within a battalion, there will usually be a headquarters, as well as a few smaller units, which are called companies. The members of a battalion will work closely together, whether they are attacking an enemy or defending a base. Veterans always remember the other soldiers in their battalion.

Definitions of battalion

1. noun

   an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies
   types:

   United States Army Rangers

   a specially trained elite unit of the United States Army

   type of:

   army unit

   a military unit that is part of an army
2. noun

   a large indefinite number
   “a battalion of ants”

   synonyms: large number, multitude, pack, plurality

   type of:

   large indefinite amount, large indefinite quantity

   an indefinite quantity that is above the average in size or magnitude