generalissimo

American  

[jen-er-uh-lis-uh-moh] / ˌdʒɛn ər əˈlɪs əˌmoʊ /

noun

plural

generalissimos

1. the supreme commander of the armed forces.

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generalissimo British  

/ ˌdʒɛnrə-, ˌdʒɛnərəˈlɪsɪˌməʊ /

noun

1. a supreme commander of combined military, naval, and air forces, esp one who wields political as well as military power

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Etymology

Origin of generalissimo

1615–25; < Italian, superlative of generale general

Example Sentences

It was an acid sendup of the wealthy businessmen who helped bankroll the Franco government and the frail and aging generalissimo himself.

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2023

Older KMT members revere the former generalissimo for his contributions to Taiwan’s industrial development and his experiences fighting Japanese and Communist forces.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2022

Like Sun, the generalissimo craved power and exhibited few scruples.

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2019

Preston pointed out that the rebel generals had met in late September 1936 to agree on who should be their overall military commander, or generalissimo.

From The Guardian • Jun. 5, 2019

As generalissimo of the army he had been made field marshal some years before.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 8 "Chariot" to "Chatelaine" by Various