first lieutenant

noun

, Military.

1. an officer ranking next above second lieutenant and next below a captain.

first lieutenant

noun

1. the officer responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a warship, esp the executive officer of a smaller ship in the Royal Navy
2. an officer holding commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or in certain other forces, senior to a second lieutenant and junior to a captain

Word History and Origins

Origin of first lieutenant¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

As the daughter of a real estate magnate, she and her family have spent generously on their political priorities in the past, including Kounalakis’ first lieutenant governor’s race.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Romo was a strong supporter of the war when he arrived in Vietnam as a first lieutenant in the U.S.

From New York Times

The teddy bear at the center of Anthony’s mum was dressed in a miniature version of her blue-and-white first lieutenant’s uniform.

From Seattle Times

He saw no action, but mustered out as a first lieutenant with firm ideas about military solutions to international problems.

From New York Times

“I felt stupid the way I walk around and stumble,” said Kalfon, who led a medical aid unit as a first lieutenant in 1964-65.

From Seattle Times