Word
battalion
Phoneticsbat·tal·ion, stress on the second syllable
US/bəˈtæɫjən/
UK/bɐtˈæliən/
Definitions
01military unit
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a large unit of an army, usually made up of several smaller groups called companies.
n. a military unit consisting of a headquarters and two or more companies, often forming part of a brigade or regiment.
Español:batallón
“The battalion marched for three days before reaching the edge of the forest.”
“The infantry battalion was deployed to the border to reinforce existing positions and provide logistical support for the upcoming exercises.”
Usage
Usually functions as a countable noun; in British English, it may take a plural verb.
02a large number
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary
n. a very large number of people or things, especially when they are organised.
n. a large body of persons or things organised for a specific purpose; often used for emphasis.
Español:batallón
“A battalion of reporters waited outside the courthouse for the verdict.”
“The CEO was met by a battalion of lawyers, all prepared to defend the company against the recent allegations of fraud.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often used with 'of' to describe a daunting or impressive group of people, like lawyers or critics.
03to organise into units
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Technical
v. to organise a large group of people into smaller, military-style units.
v. to form or organise into battalions.
“The volunteers were battalionned to make the rescue effort more efficient.”
“The commander ordered the irregular forces to be battalionned under professional officers to ensure better discipline during the campaign.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The chief of the general staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Eyal Zamir, has ordered a battalion of infantry reservists back from leave to reinforce troops in the West Bank.” “He ordered a battalion of infantry reservists back from leave to reinforce troops in the West Bank.” Etymology
From Middle French battaillon (modern French bataillon).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/battalion
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0