warrant officer

American  

noun

1. (in the U.S. Armed Forces) an officer of one of four grades ranking above enlisted personnel and below commissioned officers.

2. a similar officer in other countries.

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warrant officer British  

noun

1. an officer in certain armed services who holds a rank between those of commissioned and noncommissioned officers. In the British army, the rank has two classes See regimental sergeant major company sergeant major

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Etymology

Origin of warrant officer

First recorded in 1685–95

Compare meaning

How does warrant-officer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• warrant officer vs. commissioned officer

Example Sentences

A 13th was made a chief warrant officer, resulting in the group’s nickname: “The Golden 13.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2023

The Army is also creating a permanent warrant officer position for recruiting.

From Washington Times • Oct. 3, 2023

"Leopard tanks are third-generation tanks. Their mobility on diverse terrain is better compared to Russian tanks," said chief warrant officer Lukasz Setny, a senior Leopard instructor.

From Reuters • Jan. 31, 2023

A World War II veteran who gave up a commission in the Air Force to rejoin the Army as a warrant officer, Novosel was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics under fire.

From Washington Post • Jul. 6, 2022

“That’s what I mean,” the warrant officer with malaria continued.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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