# commander

/kəˈmændɝ/ (US) · /kəmˈɑːndɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. military leader

noun · CEFR B2

a person who is in charge of a military group or operation.

For teachers: an officer who exercises authority and direction over a military or naval unit.

- The commander ordered the soldiers to return to the base immediately.
- The supreme commander coordinated the joint task force across three different time zones to ensure the operation's success.

### 2. naval rank

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a specific rank for an officer in the navy, just below a captain.

For teachers: a naval officer rank positioned above lieutenant commander and below captain.

- After ten years of service, she was promoted to the rank of commander.
- The commander took charge of the frigate while the captain was attending the briefing at headquarters.

### 3. police or space official

noun · CEFR B2

a high-ranking official in the police or the person in charge of a spacecraft.

For teachers: a senior rank in various non-military organisations, such as police forces or NASA flight crews.

- The mission commander checked the fuel levels before the rocket took off.
- The incident commander established a perimeter around the building to manage the emergency response effectively.

### 4. honorary title

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a special title given to someone as an award or honour.

For teachers: a specific grade or rank within an order of chivalry or an honorary society.

- He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his charity work.
- The scientist was appointed a Commander of the Legion of Honour in recognition of her contributions to global health.

## Examples

- The commander ordered the soldiers to move forward.
- After years of service, she was promoted to commander of the regional task force.
- The naval commander maintained strict discipline aboard the vessel, ensuring that every crew member understood their role during the complex docking maneuvers.

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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.