English Reference

Word

ranger

US/ˈɹeɪndʒɝ/

UK/ɹˈeɪndʒɐ/

Definitions

01park/forest guardian

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person whose job is to protect and look after a forest or a large national park.

n. an official charged with the protection and maintenance of a forest, park, or public land.

“The park ranger told the hikers not to leave any food near their tents because of bears.”

“The forest ranger spent the summer monitoring the local wildlife populations and ensuring that visitors adhered to fire safety regulations.”

02elite soldier

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Military

n. a soldier who is specially trained to carry out difficult or secret missions.

n. a member of an elite military unit, typically trained in reconnaissance and rapid-response operations.

“He joined the army and eventually became a ranger in a special unit.”

“The army rangers were deployed to the mountainous border region to conduct a high-stakes reconnaissance mission under the cover of darkness.”

Synonyms

commandospecial forces

03fantasy/fiction character

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literature

n. a character in stories or games who is good at surviving in the wild and using a bow.

n. a fictional character archetype, often appearing in fantasy literature or role-playing games, characterized by wilderness survival skills and proficiency with ranged weapons.

“In the game, I chose to play as a ranger so I could track enemies through the forest.”

“The novel depicts the ranger as a solitary figure who protects the northern borders from ancient threats using only his wits and a longbow.”

Synonyms

scoutwoodsmanhunter

04sports team member

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a player on a sports team that uses 'Rangers' as its name.

n. a member of a professional sports team named the Rangers, such as those in Major League Baseball or the National Hockey League.

“The young pitcher was excited to be drafted by the Texas Rangers.”

“The New York Rangers secured a victory in the final minutes of the game, much to the delight of their home crowd.”

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“Talk to park rangers before going in so you know the current conditions and so someone knows where you’re going.”
The Conversation 3 Sept 2026

Idioms

Domains

LiteratureMilitarySports

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference