# sergeant

/ˈsɑɹdʒənt/ (US) · /sˈɑːdʒənt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. military rank

noun · CEFR B2

a middle-level officer in the army or air force who leads a small group of soldiers.

For teachers: a non-commissioned officer rank in most land and air forces, typically responsible for the discipline and training of a squad or platoon.

- The sergeant ordered the soldiers to stand in a straight line for inspection.
- After years of distinguished service in the infantry, he was promoted to sergeant and given command of his own squad.

### 2. police rank

noun · CEFR B2

a police officer who is one level above a regular officer and manages a small team.

For teachers: a police rank above that of a standard officer or constable, usually involving supervisory duties over a specific shift or unit.

- The desk sergeant took my statement about the stolen bicycle.
- The detective reported directly to the sergeant, who was responsible for overseeing all active investigations in the precinct.

### 3. historical legal rank

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · British English

in the past, a very high-level lawyer in England.

For teachers: a member of a former elite order of lawyers at the English bar, known as serjeants-at-law, who had the exclusive right of audience in certain courts.

- In the old stories, the sergeant-at-law was a powerful and wealthy lawyer.
- The historical records describe the sergeant as a legal practitioner of the highest standing, often serving as a judge on special commissions.

## Examples

- The sergeant ordered the soldiers to stand at attention.
- After five years of service in the local police department, she was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
- The drill sergeant maintained a rigorous training schedule, ensuring that every recruit met the physical and mental standards required for active duty deployment.

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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.