WordGarden.iosergeant
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɑːdʒənt/
US
- /ˈsɑrdʒənt/
Meanings
Noun
a noncommissioned military rank
a supervisory police rank
Beyond the definition
Imagine a group of soldiers moving together, and one experienced person is keeping them organized, focused, and ready. That person is often a sergeant. In the military, this is a rank given to someone who leads a small unit and helps train the people under them.
The word is also common in police work. A sergeant in a police department usually supervises other officers, helps manage difficult situations, and makes sure things run smoothly. In both military and police settings, the title suggests experience, responsibility, and practical leadership.
The word "sergeant" is strongly tied to leadership, responsibility, and experience. It comes from an older word linked to service, and over time it became the name of a rank in organized groups, especially the military. In modern military use, a sergeant is usually a non-commissioned officer, someone trusted to lead a small group, train less experienced soldiers, and keep standards in place. Different armies and branches may use several levels of this rank, but the basic idea stays the same: this is a person with hands-on authority and real responsibility.
The term is also widely used in police departments. There, a sergeant is often the officer who supervises a team, gives directions, supports patrol officers, and steps in when a situation becomes more serious. In some places, the title can appear in other official services as well, but military and police use are by far the most common.
At its heart, the word points to a person who has earned trust and now leads others in practical, everyday situations. You might hear, "The sergeant briefed the team before they went out," or "The young officer asked the sergeant for advice." The title suggests calm authority, experience, and the duty to guide others well.
Examples
- 1
Police crowd control
The sergeant asked the crowd to move back from the road.
- 2
Military promotion
After eight years in the army, he was promoted to sergeant.
- 3
Safety briefing
Sergeant Patel will go over the safety rules before training starts.
See also
Similar
- sarge
Contrast
Do not confuse
- sargent
Used with (collocations)
- police sergeant
- army sergeant
- sergeant major
Explore
- noncommissioned officer
- chain of command
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sergeantnoun
Forms
- sergeantspluralnoun