noun / verb
soldier
SOHL-jer/ˈsəʊldʒər/
A member of an army carrying out assigned duties.
The soldier stands guard beside sandbags with a rifle safely slung.
Etymology
A soldier was literally someone having pay, hence someone serving in an army for wages. The pay word came from solidus, a gold coin named for its thick, solid metal.
In context
Incredible. Also, we have a blind soldier here. While he was in Iraq, an explosion from a suicide car bomber destroyed his eyesight.
More examples
- The soldiers return to base after their patrol.
- Each soldier receives training in first aid.
- Despite several setbacks, we soldier on with the project.
Forms
soldier · soldiers · soldiered · soldiering
soldierly adjective — Showing the discipline expected of soldiers.
Similar words
- trooper
- Usually a soldier in cavalry, armored, or airborne units.
- warrior
- Emphasizes fighting, not necessarily membership in an organized army.