Definition

Noun: 1. A large military unit: A battalion is an army unit, typically consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies. It is a fundamental tactical and administrative unit, usually commanded by a lieutenant colonel. 2. A large, organized group of people or things: Used figuratively to describe any large, orderly group or multitude acting in a coordinated manner.

Examples

• Military Unit:
  • The infantry battalion was deployed to the front lines.
  • He commanded a battalion of over 500 soldiers.
• Figurative Group:
  • A battalion of volunteers cleaned up the park after the festival.
  • The CEO was followed by a battalion of assistants.

Advanced Usage

• "The big battalions": This idiom refers to the side with superior numbers, resources, or power in a conflict or competition. It suggests that strength often lies with the larger, more powerful group.
  • In the market war, the small startup struggled against the big battalions of the tech giants.

Variants and Related Words

• Battalion Commander (n): The officer in command of a battalion.
• Battalion-Size (adj): Of a size or scale comparable to a military battalion.
  • They faced a battalion-size force of protesters.

Synonyms

• Regiment: A military unit larger than a battalion. (Note: A regiment typically consists of multiple battalions.)
• Legion: A large military unit or, figuratively, a very large number.
• Multitude: A large number of people or things.

Related Phrases

• To form a battalion: To organize into a large, structured group.
  • The citizens formed a volunteer battalion to help with the disaster relief.
• Battalion strength: Referring to the number of personnel or the combat effectiveness of a battalion.
  • The unit was operating at only half its battalion strength.

Noun

1. a large indefinite number
   • a battalion of ants
   • a multitude of TV antennas
   • a plurality of religions
2. an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies