French word

bataillon

Pronunciation

IPA/batajɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbattalion

Example

Le bataillon part demain matin.

The battalion is leaving tomorrow morning.

Illustration for bataillon (battalion)

More examples

Le bataillon est composé de trois compagnies.

The battalion is made up of three companies.

Core concept

A sizeable organized mass, especially a military unit formed from several companies, or figuratively a large crowd.

Similar words

compagnie: A small unit of dozens to roughly one hundred personnel for routine duties.
régiment: A sizable military formation integrating several battalions or companies.

Definition in French

Bataillon est une formation militaire constituée d'un ensemble de compagnies et s'emploie aussi figurativement pour parler d'une foule ou d'un grand nombre de personnes.

Word origin

French bataillon was borrowed from Italian battaglione, an enlarged form related to battaglia, meaning battle.

Usage tips

  • Bataillon is masculine, so the forms are un bataillon and ce bataillon.

Word lists with this word