generalissimo

[ jen-er-uh-lis-uh-moh ]

noun

, plural gen·er·al·is·si·mos.

1. the supreme commander of the armed forces.

generalissimo

/ ˌdʒɛnrə-; ˌdʒɛnərəˈlɪsɪˌməʊ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of generalissimo¹

1615–25; < Italian, superlative of generale general

Word History and Origins

Origin of generalissimo¹

C17: from 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

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

With his stocky build, unnerving gaze, five o’clock shadow and tightly wound energy, Mr. Persoff specialized in portraying gangland figures, Wild West desperados, bellicose generalissimos and Cold War heavies.

From Washington Post

More than anything, they fear the wrath of the Red Hat Army and its ugly-crying generalissimo.

From Salon

On the other hand, say a word about el generalissimo and the Guardia Civil would escort you to a destiny not of your choosing.

From Washington Post