quartermaster

American  

[kwawr-ter-mas-ter, -mah-ster] / ˈkwɔr tərˌmæs tər, -ˌmɑ stər /

noun

1. Military. an officer charged with providing quarters, clothing, fuel, transportation, etc., for a body of troops.

2. Navy. a petty officer having charge of signals, navigating apparatus, etc.

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quartermaster British  

/ ˈkwɔːtəˌmɑːstə /

noun

1. an officer responsible for accommodation, food, and equipment in a military unit

2. a rating in the navy, usually a petty officer, with particular responsibility for steering a ship and other navigational duties

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Other Word Forms

• quartermasterlike adjective
• quartermastership noun

Etymology

Origin of quartermaster

First recorded in 1400–50, quartermaster is from late Middle English quarter maister. See quarter, master

Example Sentences

Munir became army chief in November 2022 after serving in senior positions including as quartermaster general and Corps Commander Gujranwala.

From Barron's • Nov. 14, 2025

Conter, a quartermaster, was lauded for helping rescue fellow crew members during the attack, according to the Pacific Historic Parks post.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2024

Conter was a quartermaster, standing on the main deck of the Arizona as Japanese planes flew overhead at 7:55 a.m. on Dec. 7 that year.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2024

Francis Scott Key was believed to be near the site of the future bridge in 1814 when he observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, where he served as quartermaster, during the War of 1812.

From New York Times • Mar. 26, 2024

Hall, however, was a quartermaster nonpareil, and he relished the challenge.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer