field marshal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, military, historical
Quick answer
What does “field marshal” mean?
A senior military rank, historically the highest rank in many armies, typically commanding field armies or large military districts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A senior military rank, historically the highest rank in many armies, typically commanding field armies or large military districts.
Informally, someone who exerts great authority or control in a particular domain, analogous to a high-ranking military commander.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The rank is active and used in the British Army. In the US, 'Field Marshal' is not a rank in the US Army; the equivalent is 'General of the Army'. The term is used in the US primarily in historical or foreign contexts.
Connotations
UK: Associated with royalty, state ceremony, and high military honour. US: Primarily historical or related to foreign militaries; lacks the domestic ceremonial weight.
Frequency
More frequent in UK/Commonwealth discourse due to its active status. Very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “field marshal” in a Sentence
[Person/BE] was appointed field marshal [in Year/by Monarch].[Person], a field marshal, commanded the forces.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field marshal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He assumed a field-marshal demeanour during the crisis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'He runs the department like a field marshal,' implying strict, top-down control.
Academic
Used in historical and military studies texts discussing command structures.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might be used in historical documentaries or novels.
Technical
Precise military rank within specific national hierarchies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field marshal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field marshal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field marshal”
- Misspelling as 'field marshall' (with double 'l').
- Using it as a generic term for any general.
- Capitalisation error: not capitalising when referring to a specific person's title (e.g., Field Marshal Slim).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the United States Army has never used the rank 'Field Marshal'. The highest equivalent rank is 'General of the Army'. The term is used in American English only in historical or foreign contexts.
The insignia is a crown over two crossed batons within a wreath. They are entitled to carry a field marshal's baton.
Yes, though it is a specialised metaphor. It can describe someone who exercises very authoritative, strategic control in a non-military field, such as business or politics.
The rank is 'Field Marshal'. Historically, no woman has held the rank in the British Army. In principle, the title is gender-neutral, though the term 'Field Marshal' itself is used regardless of gender.
A senior military rank, historically the highest rank in many armies, typically commanding field armies or large military districts.
Field marshal is usually formal, military, historical in register.
Field marshal: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfiːld ˈmɑːʃ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfild ˈmɑrʃəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to give someone the field marshal's baton (figurative: to give ultimate authority)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a marshal in a field of battle — the highest authority on that field.
Conceptual Metaphor
ULTIMATE AUTHORITY IS THE HIGHEST MILITARY RANK.
Practice
Quiz
In which army is the rank of 'Field Marshal' currently an active, senior appointment?