noun

sergeant

SAH-juhnt

noun

A military rank above corporal and below officer ranks, or an equivalent senior rank in the police.

"The sergeant barked orders at the new recruits."

"She was promoted to police sergeant after five years on the force."

How to Use Sergeant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rank held by senior non-commissioned officers in the military or police.

UK vs US

Pronounced "SAR-jent" despite the "er" spelling — an old, irregular sound shift, similar to "clerk."

Common pairings

drill sergeant sergeant major staff sergeant

sergeants plural

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The _____ barked orders at the new recruits.

From Old French sergent, from Latin serviēns, "serving" — ultimately from the same root as "servant."

pageant miscreant