Definition

1. Noun:
   • A military unit: A platoon is a military unit that is smaller than a company but larger than a squad. It typically consists of two or more squads and is usually commanded by a lieutenant.
   • A group of people engaged in a common activity: A platoon can also refer to any organized group of people working together or sharing a common purpose, often used metaphorically.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Military):
  • The lieutenant led his platoon through the difficult terrain.
  • A standard infantry platoon is often composed of three squads.
• Noun (Group):
  • A platoon of volunteers cleaned up the park after the festival.
  • Platoons of reporters waited outside the courthouse for the verdict.

Advanced Usage

• "Platoon system": A method of organization, especially in sports or policing, where personnel are divided into separate groups or units that work in shifts or specialize in different tasks.
  • The coach used a platoon system, with different players for offensive and defensive situations.

Variants and Related Words

• Platoon sergeant (n): The senior non-commissioned officer in a platoon, assisting the platoon leader.
  • The platoon sergeant ensured all soldiers had the necessary equipment.

Synonyms

• Unit: A group forming part of a larger military force.
• Squad: A small group, but typically smaller than a platoon.
• Team: A group of people working together.
• Contingent: A group of people sharing a common feature, forming part of a larger group.

Related Phrases

• "Platoon leader": The officer in command of a platoon.
  • The platoon leader made the final decision on their route.
• "Rifle platoon": A standard infantry platoon primarily armed with rifles.
  • The rifle platoon took up defensive positions.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that use the word "platoon" as their core component. Its idiomatic use is primarily the metaphorical extension to mean any organized group.)

Noun

1. a group of persons who are engaged in a common activity
   • platoons of tourists poured out of the busses
   • the defensive platoon of the football team
2. a team of policemen working under the military platoon system
3. a military unit that is a subdivision of a company; usually has a headquarters and two or more squads; usually commanded by a lieutenant