# commandant

/ˌkɑmənˈdɑnt/ (US) · /kˈɒmɑːndˌænt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commandant
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. officer in charge

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the officer who is in charge of a particular military group, building, or school.

For teachers: the commanding officer of a military installation, academy, or specific force.

- The commandant of the military academy addressed the new students on their first day.
- The commandant issued a strict directive regarding the security protocols of the naval base following the recent breach.

### 2. specific military rank

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a specific rank for an officer in some countries, similar to a major or lieutenant-colonel.

For teachers: a specific commissioned officer rank in certain armed forces, historically equivalent to a major or lieutenant-colonel.

- He was promoted to the rank of commandant after ten years of service.
- In the historical South African military structure, the rank of commandant was roughly equivalent to that of a lieutenant-colonel in the British system.

## Examples

- The commandant inspected the troops at dawn.
- After years of service, she was appointed commandant of the national police academy.
- The strict discipline maintained by the commandant ensured that the garrison remained operational despite the dwindling supplies and lack of communication from headquarters.

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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.