noun
lieutenant
lehf-TEHN-uhnt
noun
1
A junior commissioned officer rank in the army, air force, or marines, ranking below captain.
"The lieutenant led the platoon on its first patrol."
"He was promoted from second lieutenant to first lieutenant."
2
A trusted deputy who carries out the plans of a more senior leader.
"The crime boss sent one of his lieutenants to handle the deal."
How to Use Lieutenant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA military officer rank, or more broadly, someone acting as a senior person's right hand.
UK vs US
Pronounced "lef-TEN-ant" in British English but "loo-TEN-ant" in American English.
Common pairings
second lieutenant
lieutenant colonel
a trusted lieutenant
Word Forms
lieutenants plural
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The _____ led the platoon on its first patrol.
Etymology
From Old French lieu ("place") + tenant ("holder") — literally someone "holding the place" of a superior.