rhizoverbBeta
Dictionaryprivatelowest-ranking soldier
noun

private

An enlisted soldier of the lowest rank.

The private reports to the sergeant before morning drill.

Etymology
privateLatinprivate individual

The Latin source distinguishes a private person from a public officeholder. Private soldier similarly distinguished an ordinary enlisted individual from someone holding a command rank.

More examples

  • Two privates carried the equipment to the truck.
  • He entered the army as a private.
  • The officer spoke with each private in the unit.

Forms

private · privates

Similar words

recruit
A new member who need not hold a particular rank.
soldier
The general military role rather than the specific rank.