English Reference
noun

cohort

n.
US /ˈkoʊhɔɹt/ UK /kˈəʊhɔːt/ co·hort UK spelling cohorts

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicTechnical

    a group of people who share a characteristic, like being born in the same year.

    a demographic grouping of people, typically defined by a shared characteristic or experiencing the same event within a specific period.

    Simple

    The study followed a cohort of children born in the 1980s to see how their health changed.

    In context

    Researchers analyzed the 2010 birth cohort to determine if early exposure to digital media correlated with later developmental milestones.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'a cohort of'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a group of people who start a training program or university course at the same time.

    a set of individuals who move through an educational or training program together as a single unit.

    Simple

    The new cohort of medical students will begin their hospital rotations next month.

    In context

    The university reported that the current cohort of engineering students is the largest and most diverse in the institution's history.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal

    a unit of soldiers in the ancient Roman army.

    a specific tactical unit of a Roman legion, typically consisting of six centuries or approximately 480 to 600 men.

    Simple

    The general ordered the third cohort to defend the bridge against the attack.

    In context

    Historical records suggest that the tenth cohort was instrumental in maintaining the perimeter during the siege of the city.

Each new cohort of children grew up, on average, healthier, happier, and better educated than the last.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

With Rew, Dawkins and Mayes having already scored first-class centuries, it is a youth cohort some regard as England's best for a generation.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

From Latin cohors (stem cohort-); borrowed into Old English as coorta, but reintroduced into Middle English as cōhort and chōors via Old French cohorte. Doublet of court.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French cohorte
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated