infantry

in-fan-try · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Soldiers who fight on foot, as opposed to cavalry or other branches.

  2. 2.

    The branch of an army consisting of foot soldiers.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    light infantry — mobile foot soldiers with minimal equipment
  • •
    infantry division — a military unit composed primarily of infantry

Related words

See also: cavalry, infantryman, soldier
Synonyms: foot soldiers, ground troops

Etymology

From Italian infanteria, from infante ("youth, foot soldier"), from Latin infans ("young person"). Originally referred to young soldiers or those too inexperienced for cavalry.