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Definition of commandant

commandant

/ˌkɑːmənˈdɑːnt/
com · man · dant
Plural:commandants
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commandant Lexical Profile

commandant Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An officer in charge of a particular military establishment, such as a service academy, training depot, base, or prison.

Example

"The commandant of the academy addressed the graduating cadets during the morning ceremony."

2

American The title of the highest-ranking officer of the United States Marine Corps or the United States Coast Guard.

Example

"The commandant testified before the Senate committee regarding maritime security and fleet modernization."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for commandant
Antonyms
View all antonyms for commandant

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'commander' is a general term for an officer in charge of any military unit, 'commandant' refers specifically to the official head of a fixed establishment, such as a military academy, base, or detention facility, or to the highest-ranking officer of the U.S. Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

• Rhymes for commandant

• Nearby Words

comix
comma
command
commandant
commandeer
commander
commanding

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century from French commandant, the present participle of commander ('to command'), which derives from Late Latin commandare ('to order, entrust').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Commandant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/commandant
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