commander in chief

noun phrase

: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Trump never voluntarily released his tax returns as a presidential candidate or commander in chief, bucking a decades-old tradition for those seeking and occupying the nation’s highest office. Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Anchorage Daily News, 19 Apr. 2023 While serving as the commander in chief, Trump reimbursed Cohen, and that’s where the fraud kicked in, prosecutors say. BostonGlobe.com, 5 Apr. 2023 While serving as the commander in chief, Mr. Trump reimbursed Mr. Cohen, and that’s where the fraud kicked in, prosecutors say. Maggie Haberman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2023 The rivalry built on social media and TV interviews made headlines during the course of Trump’s presidency, pitting arguably America’s most recognizable current athlete against the commander in chief. Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2023 The 80-year-old commander in chief is enlisting hundreds of social media influencers, according to a new report. Julia Johnson, Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2023 The nation’s 45th commander in chief will be escorted from Trump Tower to the courthouse by the Secret Service and may have his mug shot taken. Michael R. Sisak, Eric Tucker, Dallas News, 5 Apr. 2023 The nation’s 45th commander in chief was escorted from Trump Tower to the courthouse by the Secret Service and may have his mug shot taken. Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'commander in chief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of commander in chief was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near commander in chief

Cite this Entry

“Commander in chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commander%20in%20chief. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

commander in chief

: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

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