English · Word Candidate

platoon

/pləˈtuːn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: platoons · platooning · platooned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a lieutenant and forming part of a company.

Noun

Examples

Needless to say, one's seat must be booked in advance and a platoon of urbane officials, one to each door of the train, awaits passengers to usher them to their seats and relieve them of their bulkier baggage.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A subdivision of a fire company, led by a captain or lieutenant.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To alternate starts with a teammate of opposite handedness, depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher

Verb

Examples

Taylor has been hitting poorly against left-handers, and Morgan has been hitting poorly against right-handers, so they will platoon.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To specialize in a particular position or playing style.

Verb

Examples

You must understand the rules of football in 1939. There was no platooning, so each man played both offense and defense.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “platoon” mean?

A unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a lieutenant and forming part of a company.

Is “platoon” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.