Formerly, a body of men who fired together; also, a small square body of soldiers to strengthen the angles of a hollow square.

A body of infantry, usually about 30 men, normally commanded by a subaltern. There are three or four platoons to each infantry company.

a unit of soldiers, normally consisting of 50 men.

Platoon is a 1986 Vietnam war film, written and directed by Oliver Stone and starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. The story is loosely based on Stone's experiences as an Army combat infantryman in Vietnam, and was written by him upon his return as a counter to the vision of the war portrayed in John Wayne's The Green Berets. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1986.

Platoon was published in 1986-1988 for various home computer systems by Ocean. The object of this action game is to survive in the Vietnamese jungle against guerrilla attacks. It is very loosely based on Oliver Stone's film of the same name.

A group of vehicles or pedestrians travelling together because of signal control, geometric conditions or other factors.

a group of persons who are engaged in a common activity; "platoons of tourists poured out of the busses"; "the defensive platoon of the football team"

the group of cars that collect and move through a traffic signal together

Now, in the United States service, half of a company.

The operational unit of the Navy SEALS. Usually two officers and 12 enlisted.

The group of personnel assigned to work the same 24-hour shift. Normally, one third of the total work force. Referred to as A, B and C platoons or shifts.

The entire shift of a fire department; may, however, indicate only those in one section or district who are on or off duty.