officer

n. countable

A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈɔfəsɝ// UK //ˈɒfɪsɐ// of·fi·cer

General-service Informal

n. a person who has a position of authority in a group like the police, the military, or a large company.

n. a person holding a position of authority or command in a hierarchy, specifically within the armed forces, a police force, or a government organization.

SIMPLE

The police officer asked to see my driving license.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of service, she was promoted to the rank of senior officer in the local police department.

COMPLEX

The commanding officer issued a series of directives aimed at improving communication between the different units during the training exercise.

Synonyms

Origin

From Middle English officer, from Anglo-Norman officer, officier, from Old French officer, Late Latin officiarius (“official”), from Latin officium (“office”) + -ārius (“-er”). By surface analysis, office + -er.

Usage

Often used as a formal title before a surname or as a direct form of address.