policeman
puh-LEES-muhn
Policeman (noun) means a male member of a police force. Example: “A policeman directed traffic around the accident.”
noun
1
A male member of a police force.
"Still agitated, she watched resentfully as two traffic policemen remounted their motorcycles."
— JG Ballard, Super-Cannes (2000)
"A policeman directed traffic around the accident."
"The policeman who arrests the "Red" does not understand the theories the "Red" is preaching; if he did, his own position as bodyguard of the monied class might seem less pleasant to him."
— George Orwell, The Lion and the Unicorn (1941)
"The policeman helped the lost child find her mother."
"My uncle worked as a policeman in a small village for many years."
How to use policeman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA male police officer.
When to use it
Modern style guides often prefer the gender-neutral "police officer" unless the person's gender is specifically relevant.
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Word forms
- Plural
- policemen
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A _____ directed traffic around the accident.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for policeman
See all rhymes for policeman →Frequently asked questions
What does “policeman” mean?
The word “policeman” means a male member of a police force. In plain terms, a male police officer.
How do you pronounce “policeman”?
“Policeman” is pronounced puh-LEES-muhn (/pəˈliːsmən/ in IPA).
How do you use “policeman” in a sentence?
Here is “policeman” used in a sentence: “A policeman directed traffic around the accident.”
What part of speech is “policeman”?
“Policeman” is a noun.
Is “policeman” a common word?
“Policeman” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between policeman and police officer?
Policeman specifically refers to a male member of a police force, while police officer is a gender-neutral term covering both men and women. Police officer is now more commonly used in formal and professional contexts because it does not specify gender.
Is policeman still commonly used today?
Policeman is still understood and used informally, but many style guides and organizations now prefer police officer as the standard term since it applies regardless of gender.
What is the female equivalent of policeman?
The traditional female-specific equivalent is policewoman, referring to a female member of a police force. However, police officer is increasingly preferred as a single term for anyone in the role.
