lieutenant general

noun

, U.S. Military.

1. a commissioned officer ranking next below a general and next above a major general.

lieutenant general

noun

1. an officer holding commissioned rank in certain armies, air forces, and marine corps immediately junior to a general

Word History and Origins

Origin of lieutenant general¹

First recorded in 1480–90

Example Sentences

It wasn’t just his military experience — he retired as a lieutenant general — that got him hired.

From Los Angeles Times

A West Point graduate, Hoover rose to the rank of three-star lieutenant general in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Army lieutenant general who served in the White House and as chief of staff for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

From Los Angeles Times

Army and National Guard veteran who earned the rank of three-star lieutenant general.

From Seattle Times

McMaster, Mr. Trump’s second national security adviser and a retired Army lieutenant general — gave a one-word assessment of Mr. Trump’s comments: “Irresponsible.”

From New York Times