# admiral

/ˈædmɝəɫ/ (US) · /ˈædmɜːɹəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/admiral
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. naval rank

noun · CEFR B2

a very senior officer in the navy who is in charge of a fleet of ships.

For teachers: a high-ranking naval officer, specifically NATO grade OF-9 or equivalent, responsible for commanding a fleet or naval task force.

- The admiral ordered the fleet to change direction during the storm.
- After decades of distinguished service, she was promoted to admiral, assuming command of the entire Pacific task force.

### 2. butterfly

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of large, colorful butterfly, such as the Red Admiral.

For teachers: any of several species of nymphalid butterflies, particularly those in the genera Vanessa or Limenitis.

- A Red Admiral butterfly landed on the flower in our garden.
- The naturalist noted the distinct markings of the White Admiral, a species often found in deciduous woodlands during the summer months.

### 3. historical commander

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

in the past, the captain of the first fishing ship to reach a harbor.

For teachers: a historical designation for the commander of a merchant or fishing fleet, often granted specific administrative privileges.

- In the old fishing villages, the first captain to arrive was named the admiral for the season.
- The historical records of Newfoundland describe the 'fishing admiral' system, where the first captain to enter the harbor exercised local judicial authority.

## Examples

- The admiral gave the order for the ships to move.
- After thirty years of service at sea, she was promoted to admiral and took command of the entire Pacific fleet.
- The strategic decisions made by the admiral during the naval blockade were later credited with preventing a full-scale conflict between the two nations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.