# patrolman

/pəˈtɹoʊɫˌmæn/ (US) · /pɐtɹˈəʊlmən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patrolman
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a police officer who walks or drives around an area to keep it safe, especially in the US.

For teachers: a uniformed police officer assigned to patrol a designated area, typically on foot or in a vehicle. Chiefly American usage; the gender-neutral 'patrol officer' is now preferred in official contexts.

## Examples

- The patrolman walks through the park every evening.
- The patrolman stopped his car to help the lost tourists find their hotel.
- The aging patrolman knew every shopkeeper on his beat, noticing small changes that a newcomer would miss entirely.

## Synonyms

officer, policeman, constable, cop

## Usage notes

- Plural is patrolmen; gender-neutral 'patrol officer' is preferred in formal use.

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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.