platoon

== English == === Etymology === From obsolete French plauton, variant of peloton, from Middle French pelote + -on. Doublet of peloton. Compare pellet. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /pləˈtuːn/ Rhymes: -uːn === Noun === platoon (plural platoons) (military) A unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a lieutenant and forming part of a company. A subdivision of a fire company, led by a captain or lieutenant. A group of self-driving vehicles travelling in a close convoy and communicating electronically with each other. (education, historical) A group of children in the platoon grouping education system. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === platoon (third-person singular simple present platoons, present participle platooning, simple past and past participle platooned) (baseball) To alternate starts with a teammate of opposite handedness, depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher (sports) To specialize in a particular position or playing style. Of self-driving vehicles: to travel in a close convoy, each vehicle communicating electronically with the others. ==== See also ==== platoon system