sergeant

American  

[sahr-juhnt] / ˈsɑr dʒənt /

especially British, serjeant

noun

1. a noncommissioned army officer of a rank above that of corporal.

2. U.S. Air Force. any noncommissioned officer above the rank of airman first class.

3. a police officer ranking immediately below a captain or a lieutenant in the U.S. and immediately below an inspector in Britain.

4. a title of a particular office or function at the court of a monarch (often used in combination).

   sergeant of the larder; sergeant-caterer.

5. sergeant at arms.

6. Also called sergeant at law.  British. (formerly) a member of a superior order of barristers.

7. sergeantfish.

8. (initial capital letter) a surface-to-surface, single-stage, U.S. ballistic missile.

9. a tenant by military service, below the rank of knight.

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sergeant British  

/ ˈsɑːdʒənsɪ, ˈsɑːdʒənt /

noun

1. a noncommissioned officer in certain armed forces, usually ranking above a corporal

2. 1. (in Britain) a police officer ranking between constable and inspector

   2. (in the US) a police officer ranking below a captain

3. See sergeant at arms

4. a court or municipal officer who has ceremonial duties

5. (formerly) a tenant by military service, not of knightly rank

6. See serjeant at law

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Other Word Forms

• sergeancy noun
• sergeantship noun

Etymology

Origin of sergeant

1150–1200; Middle English sergant, serjant, serjaunt < Old French sergent < Latin servient- (stem of serviēns ), present participle of servīre. See serve, -ent

Explanation

Sergeant describes a certain rank for a police or military officer. If you've been promoted to sergeant, congratulations are in order. Sergeant comes from the Old French sergent and originally from the Latin verb servire meaning "to serve," as in "to serve and protect," a police sergeant's job. Remember that sergeant is spelled with an "e" after the "s" (it's often misspelled with an "a").

Example Sentences

At the end of his litany, the sergeant, beyond unimpressed, directs him to “lighten up, Francis.”

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

If asked to picture Janet Jackson, one of three images likely comes to mind: “Rhythm Nation 1814” Janet, a revolutionary in a black uniform and cap, cutting the air with drill sergeant precision.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

Dos Santos, who speaks four languages, is a bit of a mix of LAFC’s first two managers — not nearly as strict as Bradley, the drill sergeant, yet not quite as relaxed as Cherundolo.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

"People's feet were swollen from all the walking they had done," recalled Batangouna, who served as a sergeant at the time.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

“Well!” said the sergeant, “they’ll find themselves trapped in a circle, I expect, sooner than they count on. Now, blacksmith! If you’re ready, his Majesty the King is.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Related Words

• agent
• informer
• police officer
• private eye
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