police officer

noun

Synonyms of police officernext
: a member of a police force

Examples of police officer in a Sentence

there were police officers directing traffic around the scene of the accident
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The program allows Chicago police officers to sign up for patrols on the CTA on their days off. Jermont Terry, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026 Austin police oversight officials have rolled out a new way for community members to resolve complaints made against Austin police officers. Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026 The brief hearing should include testimony from an Altoona police officer about the department’s procedures for securing, safeguarding and inventorying the personal property of a person arrested in a public place, the judge said. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026 Aerial footage capturing the moments after the truck came to a standstill shows protesters seemingly attempting to gain access to the driver as police officers removed him from the vehicle. Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for police officer

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of police officer was in 1797

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Police officer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/police%20officer. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

police officer

noun
: a member of a police force

More from Merriam-Webster on police officer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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