# Capt

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

## Senses

### 1. rank or title

noun · CEFR B1 · Formal · Technical

Stands for Captain. It is a short way to write the rank of a leader in the army, navy, or a sports team.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Captain. Used primarily as a written honorific or rank designation in military, police, or nautical contexts.

- The letter was addressed to Capt. Miller at the naval base.
- The official report was signed by Capt. Sarah Jenkins, who oversaw the entire rescue operation during the storm.

Usage: Always capitalized when used as a title before a name; usually followed by a period in American English.

Teaching tip: Learners should note that while 'Capt.' is common in writing, the full word 'Captain' is almost always used in speech.

## Examples

- Capt. Miller led the team during the mission.
- The letter was addressed to Capt. Sarah Jenkins, who had served in the navy for twenty years.
- While the formal documents listed him as a commander, the local crew always referred to him as Capt. Smith out of long-standing habit and respect for his previous rank.

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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.