English Reference
noun · verb

regiment

n. · v.
US /ˈɹɛdʒəmənt/ UK /ɹˈɛdʒɪmənt/ reg·i·ment UK spelling regimenting, regiments

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    n.a large group of soldiers that is part of a bigger army.

    n.a permanent unit of an army, typically commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies or battalions.

    Simple

    His grandfather served in a famous cavalry regiment during the war.

    In context

    The regiment was deployed to the border following a series of diplomatic failures, marking the first time the unit had seen active service in a decade.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    n.an old word for the way a country or person is ruled.

    n.the act or power of governing; authority or rule over a jurisdiction.

    Simple

    The old books describe the queen's long and peaceful regiment over the islands.

    In context

    In his political treatise, the philosopher argued that a just regiment must balance the needs of the individual against the stability of the state.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to organize people or things into a very strict, almost military system.

    v.to organize according to a strict system or pattern, often implying a loss of individual freedom.

    Simple

    The school day was heavily regimented, with every minute planned for the students.

    In context

    Critics argued that the new corporate policy would regiment the creative staff to the point where innovation became impossible.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice to describe a controlled environment.

    systematizeorderdiscipline
    disorganizemuddle
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal Military

    v.to organize soldiers into a formal army group.

    v.to form or organize soldiers into a regiment or similar military body.

    Simple

    The volunteers were quickly regimented and sent to the front lines.

    In context

    The general sought to regiment the disparate local militias into a cohesive fighting force capable of sustained operations.

On December 18, 1776, he joined the Continental Army’s Ninth Connecticut Regiment , although he only served for one month and five days.

Smithsonian Magazine· 17 Aug 2026

This problem entails arranging 36 officers from six regiments and six ranks in a 6-by-6 square grid, ensuring that every row and column contains one officer from each regiment and each rank.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026

From Middle French regement, régiment, and its source, Late Latin regimentum (“direction for government; course of medical treatment”), from Latin regō (“rule”).

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

This entry
Origin Latin regō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated