captain

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. the player on a sports team who is chosen to lead the others and speak to the referee.

n. a designated member of an athletic team who leads the squad and acts as the primary liaison with officials.

“She was proud to be named captain of the basketball team in her final year.”

“The team captain protested the referee's decision, arguing that the foul occurred outside the penalty area.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical

n. a middle-level officer in the army, navy, or air force.

n. a commissioned officer rank; in the army it is typically above lieutenant, while in the navy it is a more senior rank equivalent to a colonel.

“The captain ordered the soldiers to prepare for the morning exercise.”

“Promoted to captain after three years of service, he was given command of a small infantry company stationed near the border.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Humorous · Informal

n. a funny name you give someone who is acting like a leader or doing something obvious.

n. a title or nickname applied to a person, often ironically or to highlight a specific trait or behavior.

“Thanks for telling us it's raining, Captain Obvious.”

“He became known as Captain Safety around the office because he was always reminding people to hold the handrail on the stairs.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to act as the leader of a ship, plane, or team.

v. to exercise command or leadership over a vessel, aircraft, or organized group.

“She will captain the national team during the world championships next month.”

“Having captained several cargo ships across the Atlantic, he was well-prepared for the challenges of the new route.”