commander

1 of 2

noun (1)

com·​mand·​er kə-ˈman-dər How to pronounce commander (audio)
Synonyms of commandernext
1
: one in an official position of command or control: such as
a
: commanding officer
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
kə-ˈman-dər-ˌship How to pronounce commander (audio)
noun

commandership

2 of 2

noun (2)

com·​mand·​er·​ship kə-ˈman-dər-ˌship How to pronounce commandership (audio)
: the rank or title of commander

Synonyms of commander

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Noun (1)

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Examples of commander in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.
Noun
Agamemnon is the commander of the Greek army that fights the Trojan War for the recovery of Menelaus’s wife, Helen. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026 His commander immediately ordered him to Augusta to recruit and manage the continental forces there. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 June 2026 The Kremlin said Russian military commanders briefed President Vladimir Putin about the Russian attacks, adding that Moscow would continue to increase pressure on Ukraine to achieve its war aims. — Gleb Garanich, USA Today, 2 July 2026 The Kremlin said Russian military commanders briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the attacks and said Moscow would continue increasing pressure on Ukraine to achieve its war aims. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commander

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing commander

Rhymes for commander

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Browse Nearby Words

commandeer
commander
commander in chief
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Cite this Entry

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

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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
-ˌship How to pronounce commander (audio)
noun

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