field marshal

American  

noun

1. an officer of the highest military rank in the British and certain other armies, and of the second highest rank in the French army.

---

field marshal British  

noun

1. an officer holding the highest rank in the British and certain other armies

---

Etymology

Origin of field marshal

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

The field marshal exercises tight security control in the area he rules and, now Belgacem, one of his six sons, heads a reconstruction programme and appears to be seeking to restore the clan's legitimacy.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

But at least for now, it looks as if the cunning field marshal has decisively outplayed the flamboyant former cricketer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Melissah Shishido, 60, a friend and fifth-grade teacher, emerged as field marshal for the operation.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2023

Despite being specifically forbidden to do so, on January 31, 1943, German field marshal Friedrich Paulus surrendered what was left of his Sixth Army.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

“This is not peace,” declared French field marshal Ferdinand Foch.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman