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

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

He did reach the rank of command sergeant major near the end of his service, but he officially retired one rank below as a master sergeant.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 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 sergeant major sits up and tilts his head back and forth as though working out kinks in his neck.

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