colonel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Military, Historical
Quick answer
What does “colonel” mean?
A military rank, typically above lieutenant colonel and below brigadier general or brigadier.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military rank, typically above lieutenant colonel and below brigadier general or brigadier.
A leader or head of a group, particularly in non-military contexts (e.g., 'colonel of the regiment' as an honorary title). Also used historically for commanders of regiments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The rank is identical in both armies. The honorary title 'Colonel of the Regiment' is more commonly used in British military tradition. In the US, the rank is associated with all service branches, and state militias often confer the title 'Kentucky Colonel' as an honorary civilian award.
Connotations
In the UK, may carry stronger historical and regimental associations. In the US, can have civilian honorary connotations (e.g., Kentucky Colonel, Colonel Sanders).
Frequency
Similar frequency in military contexts. The term enters general public awareness via media, history, and brands (e.g., KFC).
Grammar
How to Use “colonel” in a Sentence
Colonel + [Name] (e.g., Colonel Smith)the colonel of + [regiment/unit]to be promoted to colonelto serve as a colonelVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically for a senior, autocratic manager (e.g., 'He runs the department like a colonel').
Academic
Found in historical, political, and military studies texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing military topics, history, or referring to the KFC founder.
Technical
Strictly military terminology. Used in organizational charts and protocols.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colonel”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkɒl.ə.nəl/ or /kəˈloʊ.nəl/.
- Misspelling: 'cornel', 'colonol', 'kernel'.
- Using as a generic term for any officer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a result of a historical linguistic clash. The word came into English via French ('coronel'), which itself came from Italian ('colonello'). The spelling was later changed to reflect the Italian origin, but the French pronunciation persisted.
Yes, it is a senior officer rank, typically above lieutenant colonel and below brigadier/general ranks. It often commands a regiment or brigade.
No, 'colonel' is strictly a noun. There is no standard verb form. You might 'command' or 'lead' like a colonel, but not 'to colonel' something.
It is an honorary title of recognition awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA, for noteworthy service to the community, state, or nation. It is not a military rank.
A military rank, typically above lieutenant colonel and below brigadier general or brigadier.
Colonel is usually formal, military, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Kentucky Colonel (honorary title)”
- “Colonel Blimp (a pompous, reactionary figure)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a KERNEL of corn wearing a military uniform and giving orders. The spelling 'colonel' but the sound 'kernel' connects the visual to the pronunciation.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS RANK (The colonel is high on the ladder), AUTHORITY IS A TITLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common reason learners mispronounce 'colonel'?