field marshal

American  

noun

1. an officer of the highest military rank in the British and certain other armies, and of the second highest rank in the French army.

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field marshal British  

noun

1. an officer holding the highest rank in the British and certain other armies

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Etymology

Origin of field marshal

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

US President Donald Trump frequently refers to Munir as his "favourite field marshal", after a rapport built during US efforts to defuse a short but intense armed conflict between Pakistan and rival India last year.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

The field marshal, acting on CIA intelligence, handed over the alleged mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing when Americans were evacuating from Afghanistan.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

But at least for now, it looks as if the cunning field marshal has decisively outplayed the flamboyant former cricketer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Despite being specifically forbidden to do so, on January 31, 1943, German field marshal Friedrich Paulus surrendered what was left of his Sixth Army.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

“This is not peace,” declared French field marshal Ferdinand Foch.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman