grenadier

[ gren-uh-deer ]

noun

1. (in the British army) a member of the first regiment of household infantry Grenadier Guards.
2. (formerly) a specially selected foot soldier in certain elite units.
3. (formerly) a soldier who threw grenades.
4. Also called rattail,. any of several deep-sea fishes of the family Macrouridae, having an elongated, tapering tail.

grenadier

/ ˌɡrɛnəˈdɪə /

noun

1. military
   1. (in the British Army) a member of the senior regiment of infantry in the Household Brigade
   2. (formerly) a member of a special formation, usually selected for strength and height
   3. (formerly) a soldier trained to throw grenades
2. Also calledrat-tail any deep-sea gadoid fish of the family Macrouridae, typically having a large head and trunk and a long tapering tail
3. any of various African weaverbirds of the genus Estrilda See waxbill

Other Words From

• gren·a·dier·i·al adjective
• gren·a·dier·ly adverb
• gren·a·dier·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grenadier¹

From French, dating back to 1670–80; grenade, -ier ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of grenadier¹

C17: from French; see grenade