major general

American  

noun

1. a military officer ranking next below a lieutenant general and next above a brigadier general.

---

major general British  

noun

1. military an officer immediately junior to a lieutenant general

---

Other Word Forms

• major-generalcy noun
• major-generalship noun

Etymology

Origin of major general

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Eiland, a retired major general, is an adviser to Black Cube, an Israeli company famous for having conducted surveillance for clients including Harvey Weinstein and former Congolese President Joseph Kabila.

From The Wall Street Journal

The drones are capable of strikes but are only being used for reconnaissance, said Nigerian Major General Samaila Uba.

From Barron's

“I will ask Major General Dickson,” the American promised.

From Literature

I pictured what it would mean for him to ask Major General Dickson.

From Literature

“The British, French, Germans, and even Czech Republic were coordinating charter aircraft to get their citizens out,” said Randy Manner, a retired two-star Army major general, who said it took him days to be able to leave the United Arab Emirates.

From The Wall Street Journal