captain

cap-tain · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The person in command of a ship or aircraft.

  2. 2.

    To be the captain of; to lead.

  3. 3.

    A military officer rank above lieutenant.

  4. 4.

    The leader of a sports team.

  5. 5.

    A leader or chief in various contexts.

Forms

plural: captains

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    captain of industry — a powerful business leader
  • •
    my captain — a respectful address to a leader

Related words

See also: captains, commander, leader
Synonyms: chief, commander, leader, skipper

Etymology

From Late Latin capitaneus meaning "chief," from Latin caput meaning "head."