police officer

American  

[puh-lees aw-fuh-ser, of-uh-] / pəˈlis ˌɔ fə sər, ˌɒf ə- /

noun

1. any policeman or policewoman; patrolman or patrolwoman.

2. a person having officer rank on a police force.

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police officer British  

noun

1. Often (esp as form of address) shortened to: officer.  a member of a police force, esp a constable; policeman

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Etymology

Origin of police officer

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Before Bowen could speak up, Georgiou added that he’s a police officer in Athens, and that he chose their spots carefully.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Bankhardt told a police officer he would be "coming home", but shortly after 20:30 BST he collided with oncoming traffic.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Court papers showed he had no penalty points on his licence when he was pulled over by the police officer in January.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Activists in white hazmat suits carry floppy-eared canines away as he waves papers at a police officer.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

A police officer yells into a bullhorn, ordering them away from the fence.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

• constable
• deputy
• detective
• marshal
• military police
• officer
• policeman
• trooper