cavalry

noun

cav·​al·​ry ˈka-vəl-rē How to pronounce cavalry (audio)
nonstandard
ˈkal-və-rē How to pronounce cavalry (audio)
plural cavalries
1
a
: an army component mounted on horseback
b
: an army component moving in motor vehicles or helicopters and assigned to combat missions that require great mobility
2
: horsemen
a thousand cavalry in flight

Examples of cavalry in a Sentence

Cavalry is used to perform reconnaissance. The cavalry were brought in to support the mission.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brazil rang the changes in the second half and the cavalry ran riot, adding some gloss to the scoreline and giving Ancelotti plenty to ponder in the days ahead. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 June 2026 At least two or three Vegas defenders seemed form a protective wall in front of Hart whenever the Avs sent the cavalry. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 May 2026 The hilltop estate was built as a wedding gift from a wealthy cavalry officer for his bride before it was converted into a hotel in the 1920s. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 The Soviets produced many tank designs during the interwar years, which were similarly grouped based on the infantry/cavalry classification scheme. — Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cavalry

Word History

Etymology

earlier cavallerie, borrowed from Middle French cavalerie, borrowed from Italian cavalleria, earlier cavalaria "group of soldiers on horseback, branch of arms made up of such soldiers," from cavalliere, cavaliere "horseback rider, mounted soldier" + -eria, borrowed from Middle French -erie -ery — more at cavalier entry 2

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cavalry was in 1546

Phrases Containing cavalry

Browse Nearby Words

cavallo
cavalry
cavalry bone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cavalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavalry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cavalry

noun
cav·​al·​ry ˈkav-əl-rē How to pronounce cavalry (audio)
plural cavalries
: troops mounted on horseback or moving in motor vehicles or helicopters
Etymology

from Italian cavallerie "cavalry, chivalry," from cavaliere "cavalier, knight," derived from Latin caballarius "horseman," from earlier caballus "horse" — related to cavalier, chivalry see Word History at chivalry

More from Merriam-Webster on cavalry

Nglish: Translation of cavalry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cavalry

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