ENGLISH
REFERENCE

platoon

n. · v.
US //pɫəˈtun// UK //plɐtˈuːn// pla·toon
  1. 1 military unit (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small group of about thirty to forty soldiers, usually led by a lieutenant.

    a tactical military unit consisting of two or more squads or sections, typically commanded by a lieutenant and forming part of a company.

    Example

    The lieutenant ordered his platoon to move quietly through the forest at night.

    Example

    After weeks of intensive training, the platoon was deployed to the border to assist with peacekeeping operations and local security.
  2. 2 vehicle convoy (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a group of vehicles, often self-driving, that travel very close together in a line.

    a group of vehicles, particularly autonomous trucks, travelling in a close-order convoy to improve fuel efficiency and traffic flow.

    Example

    The company is testing a platoon of self-driving trucks on the highway.

    Example

    By using wireless communication to maintain a constant distance, the platoon of heavy-duty vehicles significantly reduced aerodynamic drag during the long-haul journey.
  3. 3 to alternate players (v.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Informal Sport

    to share a position on a sports team with another player, usually based on the opponent.

    to alternate two or more players in the same position to exploit specific tactical advantages, such as handedness in baseball.

    Example

    The coach decided to platoon the two catchers depending on who was pitching.

    Example

    The manager opted to platoon his outfielders throughout the season, starting the left-handed hitter only when facing right-handed pitchers.
  4. 4 to drive in a convoy (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    to travel in a tight line of vehicles that communicate with each other.

    to operate vehicles in a coordinated convoy using electronic sensors and communication to maintain close proximity.

    Example

    The trucks began to platoon as soon as they reached the open motorway.

    Example

    Engineers are investigating how effectively autonomous delivery vans can platoon in urban environments without disrupting the flow of regular traffic.
Origin

From obsolete French plauton, variant of peloton, from Middle French pelote + -on. Doublet of peloton. Compare pellet.

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

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026