noun
corporal
KOR-per-ul/ˈkɔːrpərəl/
A noncommissioned military rank above private and below sergeant, or a person holding it.
The corporal directs the small group of soldiers while an officer observes.
Etymology
Italian caporale named an officer in charge of a body of troops. Its usual connection with capo, 'head, chief,' is disputed: the source also reports the possibility that 'body' was primary.
In context
So, this is a corporal who had seen a robot two weeks previously.
We stood together at Arlington to honor Corporal Frank Buckles, 110 years old -- our last veteran
More examples
- She was promoted to corporal after two years of service.
- Two corporals help the sergeant organize the training exercise.
- A corporal ranks above a private but below a sergeant.
Forms
corporal · corporals
Similar words
- noncommissioned officer
- A broader term covering corporals, sergeants, and certain higher ranks.