# commando

/kəˈmænˌdoʊ/ (US) · /kəmˈændəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commando
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a soldier who is trained to carry out quick, dangerous attacks in enemy territory. These soldiers often work in small groups and are highly skilled at fighting in difficult conditions.

For teachers: a member of a specialized military unit trained for shock tactics and hit-and-run raids. Often used to describe elite light infantry forces that operate behind enemy lines.

## Examples

- The commando crawled through the grass to reach the base.
- Elite commando units were deployed under the cover of darkness to disable the enemy's radar installations.
- The operation required a small team of commandos to infiltrate the coastal fortress, gather intelligence, and extract before the morning patrol arrived.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'commando raid' or 'commando tactics'.

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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.