Colonel

/ˈkɜrnəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A military officer of high rank, typically one rank above a lieutenant colonel and one rank below a brigadier general.

The colonel addressed the troops before their deployment.

In some countries, a senior officer in a police force or other organization.

After years of service, she was finally promoted to the rank of colonel in the department.

A title of respect given to certain individuals, particularly in the Southern United States.

Everyone in the town referred to him as Colonel, regardless of his military service.

From the Italian 'colonnello', which referred to the leader of a column of soldiers.

colonel's order:

A directive or command given by a colonel.

full colonel:

Refers to a colonel who has completed all necessary qualifications.

A term of endearment or respect for someone in authority.

He called his father 'Colonel' out of admiration.

Used humorously to refer to someone taking charge unexpectedly.

When the power went out, she turned into a real 'Colonel' planning our evening activities.