general officer

American  

noun

Military.

1. an officer ranking above colonel.

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general officer British  

noun

1. an officer holding a commission of brigadier's rank or above in the army, air force, or marine corps

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Etymology

Origin of general officer

An Americanism dating back to 1635–45

Example Sentences

Navy judge advocate general officer, and Michele Morrow, a former candidate for state superintendent, are also running for the Republican Senate nomination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2025

Cooley, whose career with the Air Force began in 1988, was the first general officer in his service’s history to be criminally prosecuted.

From Washington Post • Apr. 25, 2022

In 1979, Mr. Powell, then 42, was promoted to one-star general, becoming the youngest general officer in the Army at the time.

From New York Times • Oct. 18, 2021

“Since this endeavor began, not a single general officer has accepted accountability,” Lt.

From Washington Times • Oct. 14, 2021

I well remember seeing a fine horse, that had been some time in the breaker's hand, and was perfect in his mouth and paces, put a general officer and his lady into a complete fix.

From The Barb and the Bridle A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling Exercises by Moustache, Vielle