sergeant major

American  

noun

1. U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. a noncommissioned officer serving as chief administrative assistant in a unit headquarters.

2. U.S. Marine Corps. a noncommissioned officer ranking above a first sergeant.

3. a small damselfish, Abudefduf saxatilis, inhabiting warm Atlantic waters, having vertical black stripes on each side.

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sergeant major British  

noun

1. a noncommissioned officer of the highest rank or having specific administrative tasks in branches of the armed forces of various countries

2. a large damselfish, Abudefduf saxatilis, having a bluish-grey body marked with black stripes

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Etymology

Origin of sergeant major

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

For example, there is George Williams, a decorated sergeant major with the Kings African Rifles.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2025

He achieved the rank of command sergeant major, one of the Army’s highest enlisted ranks, but retired as a master sergeant because he did not complete the required coursework required to keep the higher title.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota also intervened on his behalf along with the service’s top noncommissioned officer, the sergeant major of the Army.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

“What matters most is making the very best Marines,” said Troy E. Black, sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

From Washington Times • May 3, 2023

The limp of a German sergeant major with a dead voice.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr