commissioned officer

American  

noun

1. a military or naval officer holding rank by commission.

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commissioned officer British  

noun

1. a military officer holding a commission, such as Second Lieutenant in the British Army, Acting Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force, and officers of all ranks senior to these

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commissioned officer Cultural  

1. An officer of a country's armed services whose rank is confirmed by a government document (a commission). In many countries, including the United States, commissioned officers in the navy are those of the rank of ensign and above, and in the army and air force those of the rank of lieutenant and above.

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Commissioned officers are contrasted with enlisted men and women, such as privates, corporals, and sergeants, or ordinary seamen and petty officers.

Etymology

Origin of commissioned officer

First recorded in 1675–85

Compare meaning

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

• warrant officer vs. commissioned officer

Example Sentences

He said the admission office staffers who make the initial rulings are overworked and have no time for more than a quick decision based on their understanding of the rules.

From Washington Post • Sep. 4, 2021

—Vita This is an important question because teacher recommendations can really help an admission office get to know a student from a valuable perspective.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2010