colonel — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A commissioned officer in an armed military organization, typically the highest rank before flag officer ranks (generals). It is generally found in armies, air forces or naval infantry (marines).

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The colonel and his sponsor made a queer contrast: Greystone long and stringy, with a face that seemed as if a cold wind was eternally playing on it. […] But there was not a more lascivious reprobate and gourmand in all London than this same Greystone.

2. A military leader, distinct from the modern professional military rank.

   Usage

   • Historical

   Examples

   General Charles-Maximilian Fiennes was made colonel of the army.

3. An honorary civilian title bestowed by some southern US states, most commonly Kentucky; notably Colonel Sanders of KFC.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   "Colonel" was often used as an honorific, indicating no actual military service: between 1792 and 1916, according to Ron Bryant, a curator at the Kentucky Historical Society, 400 of the 650 colonels commissioned were honorary.

4. An informal title used to address an elderly man.

   Usage

   • Southern-US
   • Dated

5. A form of address for an auctioneer, from the American Civil War practice of commanding officers organizing the public sale of seized goods.

   Usage

   • US usage

Verb

1. To act as or like a colonel.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   Then did Sir Knight abandon dwelling, And out he rode Colonelling.

Noun

1. a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

   Broader terms

   commissioned military officer