1. small military units typically consisting of two or more squads and commanded by a lieutenant
Usage: military
2. groups of people working together or organized for a common purpose
Usage: informal

Examples

• The two platoons advanced through the forest at dawn.
• Each platoon consisted of thirty soldiers and their equipment.
• The lieutenant commanded three different platoons during the exercise.
• Platoons of volunteers helped clean up after the storm.
• The coach divided the players into platoons for different drills.
• Several platoons were stationed at the checkpoint.
• The rescue operation involved platoons of firefighters and paramedics.