officer
OF-ih-suh
Officer (noun) means someone holding a position of authority, especially in the military, police, or government. Example: “The customs officer asked to see our passports before letting us through the gate.”
noun
1
Someone holding a position of authority, especially in the military, police, or government.
"The customs officer asked to see our passports before letting us through the gate."
"The officer directed traffic around the accident."
"She was promoted to a senior officer within the company."
2
A respectful way to address a police officer.
"Excuse me, officer, could you tell me how to get to the station?"
""I'm sorry, officer, I didn't see the sign," the driver said politely."
""Is there a problem, officer?" he asked nervously."
How to use officer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person with formal authority or responsibility, often in the military, police, or a company.
Common pairings
police officer
commanding officer
a company's chief financial officer
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Word forms
- Plural
- officers
- Third person singular
- officers
- Past tense
- officered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The customs _____ asked to see our passports before letting us through the gate.
Etymology
From Old French officier, from Latin officium, "office, duty" — literally, someone who carries out an office.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for officer
See all rhymes for officer →Frequently asked questions
What does “officer” mean?
The word “officer” means someone holding a position of authority, especially in the military, police, or government. In plain terms, a person with formal authority or responsibility, often in the military, police, or a company.
How do you pronounce “officer”?
“Officer” is pronounced OF-ih-suh (/ˈɔ.fɪ.sɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “officer” in a sentence?
Here is “officer” used in a sentence: “The officer directed traffic around the accident.”
What is another word for “officer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “officer” include direct, conduct and manage.
What part of speech is “officer”?
“Officer” is a noun.
Where does the word “officer” come from?
The word “officer” comes from Latin. From Old French officier, from Latin officium, "office, duty" — literally, someone who carries out an office.
Is “officer” a common word?
“Officer” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “officer” have?
“Officer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone holding a position of authority, especially in the military, police, or government.
What is the difference between an officer and an official?
An officer usually holds a defined rank or commission, especially in the military, police, or a company, and often has command over others. An official is anyone who holds public office or acts with authority for an organisation. Every officer is a kind of official, but not every official is an officer.
What are the main types of officer?
Common types include military officers who command troops, police officers who enforce the law, government officers who administer public services, and company officers such as a chief executive or company secretary. Each holds authority within their own field, whether that is defence, law enforcement, or running an organisation.
What is the difference between an officer and an enlisted soldier?
In the armed forces, officers are commissioned to lead, plan, and take responsibility for units, usually after specific training or a commission. Enlisted personnel carry out operations and make up the majority of a force. Officers generally outrank enlisted members and hold formal command authority over them.
Is 'officer' a polite way to address a police officer?
Yes. Addressing a police officer simply as 'Officer' is respectful and widely accepted, whether or not you know their name or rank. It acknowledges their authority without needing further detail. You can also add their surname if known, as in 'Officer Smith', for a slightly more personal tone.
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