# captained

/kˈæptɪnd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/captained
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to lead a team or a group of people, especially in a sport. You use this when someone is the leader of a group for a specific reason.

For teachers: to lead or command a team, ship, or group of people. Often used in the passive voice to describe the leadership role of a specific individual.

## Examples

- She captained the team to a victory.
- The captain captained the ship through the storm, keeping the crew safe and focused.
- Having captained the national side for over a decade, he brought a level of tactical discipline that younger players struggled to replicate.

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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.