# constable

/ˈkɑnstəbəɫ/ (US) · /kˈɒnstəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/constable
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. police officer

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a police officer of the lowest rank in the UK and many other countries.

For teachers: the lowest rank of police officer in the United Kingdom and most Commonwealth nations.

- The constable asked the driver to pull over to the side of the road.
- After completing his initial training, he was sworn in as a police constable and assigned to the local precinct.

### 2. US local official

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

a local officer in the US who helps the court by delivering legal papers.

For teachers: a public officer in various US jurisdictions, typically responsible for serving writs and maintaining order at the municipal level.

- The local constable arrived at the house to deliver the court papers.
- In this county, the elected constable is responsible for serving civil process and providing security for the justice of the peace.

### 3. historical official

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

a high-ranking official in the Middle Ages, often in charge of a castle or an army.

For teachers: a high-ranking official in a royal household or a military commander in the Middle Ages; also the warden of a royal castle.

- The Constable of the Tower was responsible for guarding the king's prisoners.
- The King appointed a new Constable to oversee the northern fortifications and lead the cavalry into battle.

## Examples

- The constable asked the driver for his license.
- After completing her initial training, she was sworn in as a police constable in the local precinct.
- The historical archives reveal that the Constable of the Tower held significant political influence, overseeing both the security of the fortress and the management of high-profile prisoners.

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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.