major general

American  

noun

1. a military officer ranking next below a lieutenant general and next above a brigadier general.

---

major general British  

noun

1. military an officer immediately junior to a lieutenant general

---

Other Word Forms

• major-generalcy
  noun
• major-generalship
  noun

Etymology

Origin of major general

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Major general john miller was a decorated Civil War veteran and U.S. senator who pieced together 1,200 acres in Napa Valley in 1881 to build what he called the La Vergne Estate.

From Golf Digest • Sep. 20, 2011

Major general is the highest U. S. Army rank, except in war.

From Time Magazine Archive

Major general Webb, with fourteen hundred men, was posted at the great carrying place; and, to secure his rear, sir William Johnson, with one thousand militia, was stationed at the German flats.

From The Life of George Washington, Vol. 1 Commander in Chief of the American Forces During the War which Established the Independence of his Country and First President of the United States by Marshall, John

We are &c 1 Major general in the continental army.

From The Writings of Samuel Adams - Volume 4 by Cushing, Harry Alonzo

Major general Baumgardt is too happy with his new promotion and his new orders, not to wish to wear his honors some years yet, and will very willingly agree to any other reparation.'

From Tales from the German. Volume I. Arwed Gyllenstierna by Velde, C. F. van der (Carl Franz)