admiral

ad-mi-ral · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A high-ranking naval officer of flag rank, typically ranking above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet.

  2. 2.

    A butterfly with dark wings marked with red or white bands.

Forms

plural: admirals

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    admiral of the fleet — The highest rank in the British Royal Navy.
  • •
    rear admiral — A naval officer ranking below vice admiral.
  • •
    vice admiral — A naval officer ranking below admiral.

Related words

See also: captain, commander, fleet, navy
Synonyms: commander, fleet commander

Etymology

From Old French amiral, from Medieval Latin admiralis, from Arabic amir ("commander"), from the phrase amir-al-bahr ("commander of the sea").