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View synonyms for

captain

[kap-tuhn, -tin]

noun

  1. a person who is at the head of or in authority over others; chief; leader.

  2. an officer ranking in most armies above a first lieutenant and below a major.

  3. an officer in the U.S. Navy ranking above a commander and below a rear admiral or a commodore.

  4. a military leader.

  5. an officer in the police department, ranking above a lieutenant and usually below an inspector.

  6. an officer of the fire department, usually in command of a company, ranking above a lieutenant and below a chief or assistant chief.

  7. the commander of a merchant vessel.

  8. the pilot of an airplane.

  9. a local official in a political party responsible for organizing votes on a ward or precinct level.

  10. Sports.the field leader of a team.

    The captain of the home team elected to receive on the kickoff.

  11. a person of great power and influence, especially based on economic wealth.

  12. headwaiter.

  13. bell captain.

  14. South Midland and Southern U.S.an unofficial title of respect for a man (sometimes used humorously or ironically).



verb (used with object)

  1. to lead or command as a captain.

captain

/ ˈæɪ /

noun

  1. the person in charge of and responsible for a vessel

  2. an officer of the navy who holds a rank junior to a rear admiral but senior to a commander

  3. an officer of the army, certain air forces, and the marine corps who holds a rank junior to a major but senior to a lieutenant

  4. the officer in command of a civil aircraft, usually the senior pilot

  5. the leader of a team in games

  6. a person in command over a group, organization, etc; leader

    a captain of industry

  7. a police officer in charge of a precinct

  8. (formerly) a head waiter

  9. Also called: bell captain.a supervisor of bellboys in a hotel

  10. informala person who is buying drinks for people in a bar

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to be captain of

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • subcaptain noun
  • uncaptained adjective
  • undercaptain noun
  • ˈٲԳ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of captain1

1325–75; Middle English capitain < Anglo-French capitain, captayn < Late Latin 辱Աܲ chief, equivalent to capit- (stem of caput ) head + - ( us ) -an + -eus -eous
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Word History and Origins

Origin of captain1

C14: from Old French capitaine, from Late Latin 辱Աܲ chief, from Latin caput head
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For years, consecutive US presidents have said that Mr Tice, a former US Marine captain, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was a law student at the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington, was alive.

From

This year is one of celebration for the former England captain - turning 50 at the helm of an estimated £500m empire.

From

The fact the former South Africa captain, here on commentary duties, felt even the slightest tinge of nervousness after a day of batting domination offers an insight into the cricket psyche of his country.

From

In typically clinical fashion, they took this early chance as captain Conan peeled off the back of the maul and powered over.

From

News of former England football captain Beckham becoming a 'Sir' emerged last week, while rugby league legend Boston was knighted on Monday.

From

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captagonAhab, Captain