commanding officer

American  

noun

1. Army. a commander of any rank from second lieutenant to colonel.

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commanding officer British  

noun

1. an officer in command of a military unit

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Etymology

Origin of commanding officer

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Actor James Tolkan, known for his role as the Hill Valley High principal in “Back to the Future” and the no-nonsense commanding officer in “Top Gun” has died.

From Los Angeles Times

Hermesh—the only one of Mr. Friedman’s four principal figures to survive the mission—had no love for his commanding officers.

From The Wall Street Journal

I looked up to see a creased wool pantleg, and then, higher, the face of the commanding officer, an older man with a not-unkind face.

From Literature

“Air units will be restricted from responding to requests for service in the affected areas,” wrote Larsen, the acting commanding officer of Air Support Division.

From Los Angeles Times

Capt. David Skarosi, the Ford’s commanding officer, acknowledged what he called the “sting” of the additional extension, adding it caught even him by surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• commandant
• commander