noun
bombardier
An artillery soldier holding a rank equivalent to corporal in some armed forces.
The bombardier supervises the gun crew during its morning training.
Etymology
French bombarde named an early cannon, and -ier identifies someone connected with it. The artillery role supplied bombardier as a military title, retained as a rank in some forces.
More examples
- She holds the rank of bombardier in the Canadian artillery.
- Two bombardiers help the sergeant prepare for the inspection.
- His promotion to bombardier brings new responsibilities within the battery.
Forms
bombardier · bombardiers
Similar words
- corporal
- Usually names the equivalent rank in other army branches.