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DictionarybrigadierMilitary rank
noun

brigadier

brig-uh-DEER/ˌbrɪɡəˈdɪr/

A military officer ranking above colonel and below major general.

The brigadier reviews the brigade's plans with the assembled senior officers.

British army brigadier in field uniform leads briefing with two colonels and battalion officers over map, authority clearly established.
Etymology
brigadFrenchbody of soldiers
+ierFrenchperson associated with

Built on brigade, the title originally identified the officer commanding that body of soldiers. That command role supplies the connection to the military rank above colonel.

In context

Simple Things Revealed6:24
An Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps officer at O-7 had a distinct title, brigadier general.
Why Did the U.S. Navy Get Rid of the Commodore Rank?

More examples

  • A brigadier outranks a colonel.
  • The report went directly to the brigadier.
  • Two brigadiers attended the military ceremony.

Forms

brigadier · brigadiers

Similar words

colonel
Colonel is the lower rank in the hierarchy described here.