Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » sergeant

sergeant

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a sergeant is a non commissioned rank in the U.S. Army, the Air Force or Marines, or a police officer who is junior to a lieutenant.

(noun)

An example of a sergeant is an Army officer who is senior to a corporal.
An example of a sergeant is a police officer who is junior to a captain.

See sergeant in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a feudal servant who attended his master in battle
sergeant-at-arms
☆
1. U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps a noncommissioned officer of the fifth grade, ranking above a corporal and below a staff sergeant
2. U.S. Air Force a noncommissioned officer of the fourth grade, ranking above airman first class and below staff sergeant
3. generally, any of the noncommissioned officers in the U.S. armed forces with sergeant as part of the title of their rank
1. in the U.S., a police officer ranking next below a captain or a lieutenant
2. in England, a police officer ranking just below an inspector

Origin: ME serjaunt < OFr sergant < L serviens, serving < servire, to serve

See sergeant in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Abbr. SGT or Sgt or Sgt. A noncommissioned rank in the U.S. Army or Marine Corps that is above corporal and below staff sergeant.
b. Any of several ranks of noncommissioned officers in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps: master gunnery sergeant; staff sergeant.
c. One who holds any of these ranks.
a. Abbr. Sgt. The rank of police officer next below a captain, lieutenant, or inspector.
b. A police officer holding this rank.
A sergeant at arms.