commander in chief

American  

noun

commanders in chief plural

1. Also Commander in Chief the supreme commander of the armed forces of a nation or, sometimes, of several allied nations.

   The president is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.

2. an officer in command of a particular portion of an armed force who has been given this title by specific authorization.

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commander in chief British  

noun

1. the officer holding supreme command of the forces in an area or operation

2. the officer holding command of a major subdivision of one military service

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commander in chief Cultural  

1. The role of the United States president as highest ranking officer in the armed forces. The Constitution provides this power, but, through the system of checks and balances, gives Congress the authority to declare war. During periods of war, presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, George H. W. Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, and George W. Bush have taken active roles as commander in chief.

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Etymology

Origin of commander in chief

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

“Our objective has always been to win the Commander-In-Chief Trophy, which is reasonable,” Gladchuk said Monday.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 12, 2022

Ryan’s comments echoed those last week of the incoming Commander-In-Chief, Joe Biden.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2021

Rory Kennedy, the niece of late President John F. Kennedy, has a message for the current Commander-In-Chief.

From Fox News • Oct. 13, 2018

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks with 'Today' show co-anchor Matt Lauer at the NBC Commander-In-Chief Forum on Wednesday.

From US News • Sep. 7, 2016

Should accident procure you an invitation to the table of the Commander-In-Chief, as may happen through Col.

From Satanstoe by Cooper, James Fenimore