policeman

[ puh-lees-muhn ]

noun

, plural po·lice·men.

1. a member of a police force or body.
2. Ice Hockey. enforcer ( def 4 ).

policeman

/ pəˈliːsmən /

noun

1. a member of a police force, esp one holding the rank of constable Gender-neutral formpolice officer

Gender Note

See -man.

Other Words From

• po·liceman·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of policeman¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; police + -man

Example Sentences

To them, assuming the role of “global policeman” repeated the imperialist mistakes of Britain and France, both despised entities in the region.

From Washington Post

In the 1950s, policemen across America punished men for dressing like women and even sent them to jail for this reason.

From Washington Blade

In many areas, the Taliban has called for policemen and other city workers to come back to their jobs.

From Time

Being a policeman also helped me as I know how to work within the system.

From Time

This policeman should have called the paramedics for a medical evaluation of George Floyd before trying to subdue him by force!

From Ozy

Even before the shootings, New York policeman were telling the Mayor not to attend their funerals.

From The Daily Beast

Police say Myers charged at the policeman, they wrestled, and then he shot at least three bullets before his gun jammed.

From The Daily Beast

Outside, a lone traffic policeman directs a steady stream of motorbikes.

From The Daily Beast

Our Pashto interpreter explained how he had pretended to be a Pakistani policeman when interested crowds approached the compound.

From The Daily Beast

The policeman then commandeers the dashcammed car and orders the driver to chase down the perp.

From The Daily Beast

"Here's my authority, yuh blasted runt," he yelled, and jerked his six-shooter to a level with the policeman's breast.

From Project Gutenberg

"I call you," the policeman said, and stripping the saddle and bridle from his sweaty horse, turned him loose to graze.

From Project Gutenberg

The climax was reached when a most offensive policeman in a dictatorial manner ordered me to 'Move on.'

From Project Gutenberg

The tall policeman was an artist at the work; but it nearly brought him to a tragic end, as I will relate.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the policeman who is paid to direct you, replies to your inquiry with the shortest and gruffest monosyllable that will do.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constable
• detective
• man
• officer
• patrolman
• patrolwoman
• police
• policewoman