soldier

The word “soldier” means a person who serves in an army, especially one who is not an officer. In plain terms, a member of an army; also used loosely for a low-level gang member, a strip of toast for dipping, or (as a verb) to keep going through hardship.

“Soldier” is pronounced SOHLD-zhuh (/ˈsoʊld͡ʒɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “soldier” used in a sentence: “The soldier had served two tours overseas.”

Words with a similar meaning to “soldier” include digger, dogface, doughboy, GI, ground pounder and grunt.

Depending on how it is used, “soldier” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “soldier” comes from Late Latin. From Old French soudier ("mercenary"), ultimately from Late Latin solidus, a type of coin — a soldier was originally "one who is paid" for military service.

“Soldier” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Soldier” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who serves in an army, especially one who is not an officer.

A soldier serves in an army, and the word points especially to enlisted ranks who carry out orders on the ground. An officer holds a commissioned position of authority and leads and commands those soldiers. So while officers are part of the military, the term 'soldier' most often refers to non-commissioned personnel.

Not strictly. 'Soldier' refers specifically to a member of an army. Sailors serve in the navy, marines in the marine corps, and airmen in the air force. All are service members of the armed forces, but only army personnel are properly called soldiers, though people often use the word loosely.

Armies divide soldiers by role. Infantry fight on foot, cavalry or armoured troops operate vehicles and tanks, artillery handle heavy guns, and engineers build and demolish. There are also specialists such as medics, snipers, and signals troops. Ranks rise from privates up through non-commissioned officers like sergeants.

Beyond physical fitness, good soldiers are known for discipline, courage, and the ability to follow and give orders under pressure. Teamwork, loyalty, and resilience matter enormously, since military tasks depend on trusting the people beside you. Adaptability and a level head in dangerous situations round out the core qualities.