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.
As commander in chief, my focus is on building the most powerful military of the future. CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025 Has any former president fallen from grace quite so fast and so far as Woodrow Wilson? The commander in chief once renowned for making the world safe for democracy has effectively been canceled by both ends of the political spectrum. Christian Schneider, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025 The commander in chief added that Musk, who helms six major companies, should be able to discover $1 trillion in cuts to the federal government’s spending. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 19 Feb. 2025 No, Facebook isn't forcing you to follow Trump Shortly after President Donald Trump was sworn in Monday, Facebook users began to report that their personal accounts automatically followed the new commander in chief. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Commander in chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commander%20in%20chief. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

commander in chief

: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

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