noun
major
A military officer ranked above a captain and below a lieutenant colonel.
The major briefs the officers before their morning training exercise.
Etymology
The rank-name ultimately means greater. It developed through military titles such as sergeant major, in which major marked the more senior office.
More examples
- She was promoted from captain to major last year.
- Two majors attended the meeting with the lieutenant colonel.
- The major reviews the unit's training schedule.
Forms
major · majors