warrant officer

American  

noun

1. (in the U.S. Armed Forces) an officer of one of four grades ranking above enlisted personnel and below commissioned officers.

2. a similar officer in other countries.

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warrant officer British  

noun

1. an officer in certain armed services who holds a rank between those of commissioned and noncommissioned officers. In the British army, the rank has two classes See regimental sergeant major company sergeant major

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Etymology

Origin of warrant officer

First recorded in 1685–95

Compare meaning

How does warrant-officer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• warrant officer vs. commissioned officer

Example Sentences

Trump also announced that the Medal of Honor would be awarded to Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, an Army helicopter pilot who was gravely wounded in the 2026 raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

DNA testing of bone fragments identified the remains of Warrant Officer Clement Batstone Wiggins, 28, and Warrant Officer Russell Henry Grigg, 34, the statement said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos was promoted to sergeant; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza was promoted to chief warrant officer 3 and Warrant Officer 1 Aaron Healy was promoted to chief warrant officer 2.

From Washington Times • Apr. 4, 2023

“It’s a conundrum,” said Chief Warrant Officer Tim Crochet, the school’s commanding officer.

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2023

Warrant Officer James Gregory was also there at the house, and I embraced him warmly.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• shooter