# command

/kəˈmænd/ (US) · /kəmˈɑːnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/command
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. an order

noun · CEFR B1

an order given by a person in authority.

For teachers: an authoritative directive or order that must be obeyed.

- The soldiers waited for the general's command before they began to move.
- The officer issued a sharp command to halt, and the entire column stopped instantly in perfect formation.

### 2. authority or control

noun · CEFR B2

the power to control a group of people, especially in the military.

For teachers: the right or authority to order, control, or lead a specific group or operation.

- She took command of the project after the previous manager left.
- After years of distinguished service, he was finally given command of the regional naval fleet.

### 3. mastery of a skill

noun · CEFR B2

your ability to use something well, like a language or a machine.

For teachers: the ability to use or control something effectively; a high level of proficiency or mastery.

- He has an excellent command of the French language.
- Her impressive command of complex economic theory allowed her to simplify the data for the board of directors.

### 4. computing instruction

noun · CEFR B1 · Technical

an instruction you give to a computer to make it do a specific task.

For teachers: a specific instruction or signal given to a computer program or operating system to perform a task.

- Type the command into the box and press enter to start the search.
- The system failed to execute the command because the user lacked the necessary administrative permissions.

### 5. to give an order

verb · CEFR B1

to tell someone with authority that they must do something.

For teachers: to direct with authority; to give an order that requires obedience.

- The king commanded his servants to prepare a great feast.
- The judge commanded the witness to answer the question directly without further hesitation.

### 6. to deserve or get

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to get something because you are important or respected.

For teachers: to deserve and get something, such as respect or attention, because of your qualities or position.

- She is the kind of leader who naturally commands respect from everyone.
- The CEO's presence in the room was enough to command the absolute attention of every executive present.

## Examples

- The soldier followed the captain's command.
- You can type a simple command into the terminal to restart the entire system.
- Her impressive command of several European languages made her the ideal candidate for the diplomatic mission to the United 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.