# officer

/ˈɔfəsɝ/ (US) · /ˈɒfɪsɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. police or law enforcement

noun · CEFR A2

a member of the police force.

For teachers: a member of a police force or similar law enforcement agency.

- The officer asked to see the driver's license after the car stopped.
- The police officer remained calm while questioning the witnesses to ensure the accuracy of the initial incident report.

### 2. military commander

noun · CEFR B1

a person who has a high rank and commands others in the army, navy, or air force.

For teachers: a person holding a commission in the armed forces, typically in a position of command over lower-ranking personnel.

- The young officer led his troops across the field during the exercise.
- After years of distinguished service, she was promoted to the rank of senior officer within the naval intelligence division.

### 3. corporate or organization leader

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic · Formal

a person in a high position in a large organization or company.

For teachers: a person who holds a senior administrative or executive position in a corporation, society, or government body.

- The chief financial officer explained the company's new budget to the staff.
- The presiding officer of the committee called for a formal vote on the proposed amendments to the bylaws.

### 4. to provide with leaders

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to provide a group or organization with officers to lead them.

For teachers: to supply a military unit or organization with officers; to command in the manner of an officer.

- The new regiment was officered by experienced men from the capital.
- The expedition was poorly officered, leading to a breakdown in discipline once the supplies began to dwindle in the winter months.

## Examples

- The police officer asked to see my driving license.
- After years of service, she was promoted to the rank of senior officer in the local police department.
- The commanding officer issued a series of directives aimed at improving communication between the different units during the training exercise.

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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.