command
kuh-MAHND
Command (noun) means an order given with authority. Example: “The pilot waited for the command to begin the descent.”
noun
1
An order given with authority.
"The pilot waited for the command to begin the descent."
"The soldiers obeyed the general's command without hesitation."
"She gave the dog a simple command to sit."
2
Authority or control over people, resources, or a situation.
"The new manager has command of a large team across three offices."
"After the storm, the coastguard took command of the rescue effort."
"The captain took command of the ship after the accident."
3
An instruction given to a computer program.
"Use the delete command to remove the old file from your computer."
"The program stopped because I had typed the command incorrectly."
"Type the command to list all the files in the folder."
verb
1
To give an order, or to have authority over.
"The queen commanded the guards to open the gates for the visitors."
"The colonel commands three battalions."
"He commanded her to leave the room at once."
How to use command
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn authoritative order, or the power/act of controlling something.
Common pairings
take command
command respect
chain of command
command line
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Word forms
- Plural
- commands
- Third person singular
- commands
- Past tense
- commanded
- Archaic forms
- commandest, commandedst, commandeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pilot waited for the _____ to begin the descent.
Etymology
From Old French comander, from Late Latin commandare, ultimately from Latin com- + mandare ("to entrust, order") — a relative of "commend," "mandate," and "recommend."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “command” mean?
The word “command” means an order given with authority. In plain terms, an authoritative order, or the power/act of controlling something.
How do you pronounce “command”?
“Command” is pronounced kuh-MAHND (/kəˈmænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “command” in a sentence?
Here is “command” used in a sentence: “The soldiers obeyed the general's command without hesitation.”
What is another word for “command”?
Words with a similar meaning to “command” include behest, bidding, commandment, decree, demand and dictate.
What part of speech is “command”?
Depending on how it is used, “command” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “command” come from?
The word “command” comes from Late Latin. From Old French comander, from Late Latin commandare, ultimately from Latin com- + mandare ("to entrust, order") — a relative of "commend," "mandate," and "recommend.".
Is “command” a common word?
“Command” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “command” have?
“Command” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an order given with authority.
What is the difference between command and commend?
Despite sounding alike, they are unrelated. A command is an authoritative order telling someone what to do. To commend is to praise someone or to entrust something to their care. A sergeant gives a command; a teacher might commend a pupil for good work. Mixing them up reverses instruction and approval entirely.
What is the difference between a command and a request?
A command is an order given with authority that expects to be obeyed, leaving little room for refusal. A request asks for something politely and allows the other person to say no. "Sit down" is a command; "Would you please sit down?" is a request. The difference lies in authority and choice.
What does command mean in computing?
In computing, a command is an instruction telling a program or operating system to perform a specific task. Typed into a command line or triggered by a menu, it carries the same core idea as the everyday word: an authoritative order that the machine carries out, such as "delete," "copy," or "run."
What is an example of a command?
Everyday commands include "Stop," "Come here," or "Stand at ease," direct orders expecting obedience. In the military, a command can also mean authority over troops or the unit under that authority. In grammar, commands form the imperative mood, where the verb gives an instruction, as in "Close the door."
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