infantry

Everyday

1. Soldiers who fight on foot, as opposed to soldiers on horses, in tanks, ships or planes. tree →
2. The part of an army made up of these soldiers. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, infantry fought in battles from Roman legions to the trenches of the First World War; cavalry rode horses and artillery fired big guns. Phrases: infantry soldier, infantry regiment, light infantry.

Examples

• Roman infantry fought in tight rows with shields. tree →
• The infantry marched for days to reach the battle. tree →
• My great-grandad served in the infantry in the Second World War. tree →
• In the past, cavalry rode horses while the infantry walked. tree →
• An infantry soldier carries a heavy pack. tree →
• Archers and infantry stood together at the Battle of Hastings. tree →
• I am only a baggage camel of the 39th Native Infantry, and I am not as brave as you are, my lords.” tree →

Note

Uncountable: one soldier is «an infantryman» or «an infantry soldier». Do not confuse with «infant» (a baby) — though both come from Latin for «young», as young soldiers once fought on foot. Related: cavalry (horses), artillery (big guns).