noun
Common
lieutenant
lehf-TEHN-uhnt
Lieutenant (noun) means a junior commissioned officer rank in the army, air force, or marines, ranking below captain. Example: “The lieutenant led the platoon on its first patrol.”
noun
1
A junior commissioned officer rank in the army, air force, or marines, ranking below captain.
"The lieutenant led the platoon on its first patrol."
"He was promoted from second lieutenant to first lieutenant."
"Our new lieutenant gave a short speech to the squad before the exercise began."
2
A trusted deputy who carries out the plans of a more senior leader.
"The crime boss sent one of his lieutenants to handle the deal."
"The mayor relied on his most loyal lieutenants to run the campaign day to day."
"As the gang leader's chief lieutenant, she passed his orders down to the others."
How to use lieutenant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA military officer rank, or more broadly, someone acting as a senior person's right hand.
UK vs US
Pronounced "lef-TEN-ant" in British English but "loo-TEN-ant" in American English.
Common pairings
second lieutenant
lieutenant colonel
a trusted lieutenant
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Word forms
- Plural
- lieutenants
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ led the platoon on its first patrol.
Etymology
From Old French lieu ("place") + tenant ("holder") — literally someone "holding the place" of a superior.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for lieutenant
See all rhymes for lieutenant →Frequently asked questions
What does “lieutenant” mean?
The word “lieutenant” means a junior commissioned officer rank in the army, air force, or marines, ranking below captain. In plain terms, a military officer rank, or more broadly, someone acting as a senior person's right hand.
How do you pronounce “lieutenant”?
“Lieutenant” is pronounced lehf-TEHN-uhnt (/l(j)uˈtɛn.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “lieutenant” in a sentence?
Here is “lieutenant” used in a sentence: “The lieutenant led the platoon on its first patrol.”
What is another word for “lieutenant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lieutenant” include Lt., LT, lieut and Lieut..
What part of speech is “lieutenant”?
“Lieutenant” is a noun.
Where does the word “lieutenant” come from?
The word “lieutenant” comes from Old French. From Old French lieu ("place") + tenant ("holder") — literally someone "holding the place" of a superior.
Is “lieutenant” a common word?
“Lieutenant” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lieutenant” have?
“Lieutenant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a junior commissioned officer rank in the army, air force, or marines, ranking below captain.
How do you pronounce lieutenant?
It depends on the country. In American English it is said 'loo-TEN-ant.' In British and much Commonwealth usage it is 'lef-TEN-ant,' with an 'f' sound that surprises many learners. The spelling is identical in both; only the pronunciation of the first syllable differs between the two traditions.
What is the difference between a first and second lieutenant?
Second lieutenant is usually the most junior commissioned officer rank, the starting point for a new officer. First lieutenant is the next step up, given after experience is gained, and carries slightly more seniority and responsibility. Both rank below captain, with first lieutenant sitting directly above second lieutenant.
Is a navy lieutenant the same as an army lieutenant?
No, they sit at different levels. In the navy, a lieutenant is a mid-ranking officer roughly equal to an army captain — a step higher in relative terms. In the army, air force and marines, a lieutenant is a junior officer ranking below captain. Same title, different standing in each service.
What does a lieutenant do?
A lieutenant is typically a young leader on the ground, commanding a small unit such as a platoon of around thirty soldiers. They are responsible for the training, welfare and day-to-day command of their people, carrying out the plans set by more senior officers while learning the craft of leadership.
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