noun
legionnaire
leed-zhuh-NEH-uh
Legionnaire (noun) means a member of a legion, particularly the French Foreign Legion, a famous unit historically open to foreign recruits. Example: “The legionnaire had served five years before returning home.”
noun
1
A member of a legion, particularly the French Foreign Legion, a famous unit historically open to foreign recruits.
"The legionnaire had served five years before returning home."
"He joined the Foreign Legion and became a legionnaire at nineteen."
How to use legionnaire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who serves as a soldier in a legion, especially the French Foreign Legion.
Common mistake
Most people now meet this word through "Legionnaires' disease" (a type of pneumonia), named after an outbreak at a 1976 American Legion convention — it has nothing to do with the French military.
Common pairings
French Foreign Legion legionnaire
legionnaire's disease
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Word forms
- Plural
- legionnaires
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ had served five years before returning home.
Etymology
Borrowed from French légionnaire, from légion, "legion".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for legionnaire
See all rhymes for legionnaire →Frequently asked questions
What does “legionnaire” mean?
The word “legionnaire” means a member of a legion, particularly the French Foreign Legion, a famous unit historically open to foreign recruits. In plain terms, someone who serves as a soldier in a legion, especially the French Foreign Legion.
How do you pronounce “legionnaire”?
“Legionnaire” is pronounced leed-zhuh-NEH-uh (/ˌlidʒəˈnɛ(ə)r/ in IPA).
How do you use “legionnaire” in a sentence?
Here is “legionnaire” used in a sentence: “The legionnaire had served five years before returning home.”
What is another word for “legionnaire”?
Words with a similar meaning to “legionnaire” include legionary.
What part of speech is “legionnaire”?
“Legionnaire” is a noun.
Where does the word “legionnaire” come from?
The word “legionnaire” comes from French. Borrowed from French légionnaire, from légion, "legion".
