What does "infantry" mean?

1. (soldiers on foot) soldiers who are trained to fight on foot on the ground. 2. (children) a funny way to talk about a group of babies or small children.

How do you use "infantry"?

Often used as an uncountable collective noun or as a modifier before another noun.

infantry

US //ˈɪnfəntɹi// UK //ˈɪnfəntɹˌi// in·fantry

1 soldiers on foot (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Military

soldiers who are trained to fight on foot on the ground.

the branch of an army that fights on foot, distinguished from cavalry, artillery, or armoured units.

Example

The infantry marched for three days to reach the edge of the forest.

Example

Modern infantry units are often transported by helicopter or armoured vehicle, yet their primary role remains engaging the enemy on foot.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable collective noun or as a modifier before another noun.
- foot soldiers
- ground troops
- cavalry
- air force
2 children (n.)
C1 Advanced Humorous Informal

a funny way to talk about a group of babies or small children.

a humorous, colloquial application of the military term to refer to infants or young children.

Example

We need to clear the toys off the floor before the infantry arrives for the party.

Example

The quiet afternoon was abruptly terminated by the arrival of the local infantry, as six toddlers burst into the garden screaming.

Teacher's tip

This is a play on the word 'infant'. It is rarely used in serious writing and is mostly found in lighthearted conversation.

Origin

From Middle French infanterie, from older Italian, possibly from Spanish infantería (“foot soldiers, force composed of those too inexperienced or low in rank for cavalry”), from infante (“foot soldier”), originally "a youth", either way from Latin īnfāns (“child”); see there for more.