lieutenant
An officer in the army, navy, or air force who is just below the rank of captain.
A commissioned officer in the armed forces, ranking below a captain and above a second lieutenant or equivalent.
A person who helps and works for someone in power, often doing important jobs for them.
A person who acts as a trusted assistant or deputy to someone in authority, especially in politics, business, or crime organizations.
- Base: lieutenant
- Plural: lieutenants
first lieutenant
1Officer above second lieutenant
An officer rank above second lieutenant and below captain in the army, air force, or marines; in the navy, a position responsible for ship's upkeep.
- She was promoted to first lieutenant after two years of service.
- In the navy, the first lieutenant oversees the ship's maintenance.
lieutenant colonel
1Rank above major, below colonel
An officer rank above major and below colonel in the army, air force, or marines.
- Lieutenant Colonel Davis will take command of the battalion next month.
- She was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel.
second lieutenant
1Lowest commissioned officer rank
The lowest rank for an officer in many armies and air forces.
- He entered the army as a second lieutenant after graduating from military academy.
- Second lieutenants often lead small units of soldiers.