Search Dictionary
Definition of cadet

cadet

/kəˈdɛt/
ca · det
Plural:cadets
JUMP TO:

cadet Lexical Profile

cadet Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A young trainee in the armed services or police force who is undergoing instruction to become an officer.

Example

"The academy welcomed a new class of police cadets for their six-month training program."

2

A younger son or brother, especially in a noble family, or a junior branch of a family.

Example

"As the cadet of an aristocratic house, he sought a career in diplomacy rather than inheriting the family estate."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cadet
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cadet

• Rhymes for cadet

• Nearby Words

caddy
cadence
cadenced
cadet
cadmium
cadre
caecilian

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from French cadet, from Gascon capdet ('captain, chief'), ultimately derived from Late Latin capitellum, a diminutive of Latin caput ('head'). Younger sons of Gascon noble families served as officers at the French court, giving the word its twin meanings of a younger sibling and a military trainee.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cadet. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cadet
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.