commander

noun

com·​mand·​er kə-ˈman-dər How to pronounce commander (audio)
1
: one in an official position of command or control: such as
b
: the presiding officer of a society or organization
2
: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant commander and below a captain
commandership noun

Examples of commander in a Sentence

a surrender of the fort by the commander without a single shot having been fired the intrepid commander of the HMS Surprise
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.
Mikkelsen will take the role of mission commander and Philips the role of pilot. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 Tom Schmitt, Indiana commander for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, his inspiration for telling about the Marines’ service during the war. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 His 28-year career included serving as commander of the State Patrol Honor Guard since 2014, and teaching Mobile Response Team operations and tactics to law enforcement agencies across the state. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Cooper said a sheriff’s watch commander or another on-duty manager will then review the call again as deputies are dispatched to ensure a crime is involved. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for commander 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commander was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near commander

Cite this Entry

“Commander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commander. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

commander

noun
com·​mand·​er kə-ˈman-dər How to pronounce commander (audio)
1
: one in official command especially of a military force or base
2
: a naval commissioned officer with a rank just below that of captain
commandership noun

More from Merriam-Webster on commander

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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