sergeant major

noun

1. U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. a noncommissioned officer serving as chief administrative assistant in a unit headquarters.
2. U.S. Marine Corps. a noncommissioned officer ranking above a first sergeant.
3. a small damselfish, Abudefduf saxatilis, inhabiting warm Atlantic waters, having vertical black stripes on each side.

sergeant major

noun

1. a noncommissioned officer of the highest rank or having specific administrative tasks in branches of the armed forces of various countries
2. a large damselfish, Abudefduf saxatilis, having a bluish-grey body marked with black stripes

Word History and Origins

Origin of sergeant major¹

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

He achieved the rank of command sergeant major, one of the Army’s highest enlisted ranks, but retired as a master sergeant because he did not complete the required coursework required to keep the higher title.

From Los Angeles Times

He did reach the rank of command sergeant major near the end of his service, but he officially retired one rank below as a master sergeant.

From BBC

He spent 24 years in the Army National Guard, rising to the unlisted rank of sergeant major.

From Los Angeles Times

He attained the rank of command sergeant major before retiring in 2005.

From Los Angeles Times

Weimer will send two command sergeant majors from the Army National Guard in his place, Baker said.

From Seattle Times