Pronunciation: [plɐtˈuːn] (IPA) 
The word "platoon" is spelled with two letter 'o's, which is pronounced /pləˈtuːn/. The first syllable is pronounced /plə/, where the 'o' is pronounced as a schwa. The following 't' is silent while the 'u' is pronounced as /uː/. The second syllable is pronounced as /n/, where the 'o' is silent. "Platoon" refers to a military unit containing a number of soldiers and is used to describe a sub-division within a larger group.
A platoon is a military unit consisting of a small number of soldiers, typically between 15 to 50 individuals, and led by a lieutenant. It is a subdivision of a larger military organization, such as a company or battalion. Platoon members work closely together to carry out specific tasks and are usually trained in a specific skill set, such as infantry, artillery, or engineering.
The term platoon also has non-military applications. In law enforcement, a platoon refers to a group of police officers working under a single sergeant, responsible for maintaining public order and providing safety in a designated area. Additionally, platoons can be found in certain industries, like firefighting or construction, where they represent a team of workers with a common purpose.
In both military and non-military contexts, platoons have a hierarchical structure, with a leader providing instructions and overseeing the operations. They serve as a fundamental unit that aids in effective communication and coordination between smaller groups and the larger organization. Platoon members often develop strong bonds due to their close interaction and reliance on one another for achieving shared objectives.
Overall, a platoon can be described as a small, specialized unit within a larger organization, usually focused on specific tasks and commanded by a leader.
Formerly, a small body of soldiers drawn from a battalion to strengthen the angles of a square; now, two files forming a subdivision of a company.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "platoon" originated from the French word "peloton", which means a small group or batch. "Peloton" itself is derived from the Italian word "pietone", meaning "foot soldier". The term was first used in English in the early 17th century, specifically in military contexts, to refer to a small unit of soldiers or a subdivision of a military company. Over time, "peloton" evolved into "platoon" and has been used to describe a specific group of soldiers within a larger military unit ever since.
