peloton
9.3
A small group of soldiers who move and fight together
- noun
- /ˈpɛləˌtɑn/
- Specialized
:
pelotón
- During the battle, the peloton strategically flanked the opposing forces.
Examples
-
Historical records describe a peloton as a small, elite unit in the army.
-
And did you or did you not fire a guided missile at a peloton of French cyclists?
-
The captain commanded his peloton to advance towards the enemy position.
Synonyms
squad
vspeloton
702
2.4
A small group of people organized to do one job, like in the army or sports
is a formal small military unit used especially in historical European armies
platoon
vspeloton
119
5.8
A group of people organized to work or fight together
is a specifically small military unit often in historical European use
2
8.1
A formation where troops or vehicles line up in stepped rows
is a term for a small military unit rather than a formation or layout
How Big
Surface Forms
Etymology
Peloton for a military group comes from the French pelote 'ball' and the ending -on 'small'. A peloton is like a 'small ball' of soldiers who move together, which is why it can mean a small unit or platoon.