soldier
soldier Lexical Profile
soldier Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who serves in an army; especially an enlisted member of the military rather than a commissioned officer.
"The veteran soldier returned home after completing a two-year peacekeeping tour overseas."
A loyal, dedicated, or militant follower who actively works or campaigns for a specific cause, leader, or organization.
"She was a tireless soldier in the grassroots campaign for literacy and public education."
A sterile, wingless ant or termite with a large head and powerful jaws, specialized for defending the colony.
"When the termite mound was breached, hundreds of soldiers rushed to the opening to guard the workers."
British A narrow strip of bread or toast, typically served as an accompaniment for dipping into the yolk of a soft-boiled egg.
"For breakfast, the child had a soft-boiled egg with a plate of warm buttered soldiers."
• verb
To persevere doggedly or continue working steadily despite difficulties, hardship, or adversity (usually followed by 'on').
"Despite the budget cuts and staffing shortages, the research team soldiered on to complete the clinical study."
To serve as a member of an army or military force.
"His grandfather soldiered in the Pacific theater during the Second World War."
To shirk one's duty or pretend to work while actually doing very little.
"The foreman watched closely to ensure none of the crew were soldiering on the job."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'soudier' (one who serves in the army for pay), derived from Medieval Latin 'soldarius', ultimately from Late Latin 'solidus', a Roman gold coin used to pay troops.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.