commander in chief

noun phrase

: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

Examples of commander in chief in a Sentence

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.
Here’s a roundup of essential films (all available for streaming) about commanders in chief who excel at kicking butt. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 Its advance is costing Moscow dearly, said Daniel Rice, a former aide to Ukraine's commander in chief and the president of American University Kyiv. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 As Vice-President JD Vance prepares to attend President Trump's first joint address to Congress tonight, the Ohio native has long stood in support of the commander in chief. Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Trump’s riskiest military decision to date as commander in chief has set off a wave of questions, including over America’s geopolitical goals in the Middle East and whether the conflict widens. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for commander in chief

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of commander in chief was in 1654

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commander in chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commander%20in%20chief. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

commander in chief

: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

More from Merriam-Webster on commander in chief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!