platoon

/plə'tu:n/

Thân thiện

A platoon of soldiers marches in formation across a training field.

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.)

Học thuật

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