colonel

[ˈkɝː.nəl]

colonel Definition

a rank of officer in the army and air force, above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier or brigadier general.

Using colonel: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "colonel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was promoted to colonel last year.

  • Example

    The colonel led his troops into battle.

  • Example

    Colonel Sanders is the founder of KFC.

colonel Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for colonel

Phrases with colonel

  • a colonel who has reached the highest rank in the military hierarchy

    Example

    He retired as a full colonel after serving for 30 years.

  • a rank of officer in the army and air force, above a major and below a colonel

    Example

    He was promoted to lieutenant colonel after serving as a major for five years.

  • colonel-in-chief

    an honorary position given to a member of the royal family or a celebrity who acts as a ceremonial head of a regiment

    Example

    The Queen is the colonel-in-chief of the Grenadier Guards.

Origins of colonel

from Italian 'colonnello', meaning 'column of soldiers'

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Summary: colonel in Brief

'Colonel' [ˈkɝː.nəl] is a noun that refers to a rank of officer in the army and air force, above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier or brigadier general. It is often used in military contexts, such as 'The colonel led his troops into battle.' 'Colonel' has related phrases like 'full colonel,' 'lieutenant colonel,' and 'colonel-in-chief,' which denote different ranks and positions within the military.

How do native speakers use this expression?