# battalion

/bəˈtæɫjən/ (US) · /bɐtˈæliən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/battalion
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. military unit

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a large unit of an army, usually made up of several smaller groups called companies.

For teachers: a military unit consisting of a headquarters and two or more companies, often forming part of a brigade or regiment.

- 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.

### 2. a large number

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a very large number of people or things, especially when they are organised.

For teachers: a large body of persons or things organised for a specific purpose; often used for emphasis.

- 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.

### 3. to organise into units

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to organise a large group of people into smaller, military-style units.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The battalion marched toward the border at dawn.
- The general ordered the third battalion to secure the bridge before the main force arrived.
- A battalion of lawyers descended upon the small town, filing dozens of injunctions to halt the construction of the controversial new dam.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.