cavalry
n. uncountablen. soldiers who fight while riding horses. In modern times, it can also mean soldiers who use armored vehicles like tanks.
n. the part of an army that traditionally fought on horseback. In modern military contexts, it refers to highly mobile units equipped with armored vehicles or helicopters.
The cavalry charged across the field on their horses.
The general waited for the cavalry to arrive before launching the final attack on the enemy's flank.
Historically, the cavalry provided a decisive advantage in speed and shock power, though modern warfare has largely replaced horses with light armored vehicles and aerial support units.
From Middle French cavalerie, in turn from Italian cavalleria. Recorded in English from the 1540s. Doublet of chivalry.
Usually takes a singular verb, but can take a plural verb in British English when referring to the members of the unit.
The calvary arrived just in time.The cavalry arrived just in time.Learners often swap the 'l' and 'v', confusing 'cavalry' (soldiers) with 'Calvary' (the biblical site of the crucifixion).