noun

tommy

British soldier, Tommy

The Tommies fought bravely in the war.

The Tommies fought bravely in the war.

((a/the)) Tommy a British private soldier He was a Tommy in the Great War.

Synonyms: squaddie (UK), GI (US)

From 'Tommy Atkins', a generic name for a private in the British Army used on official forms in the 19th century.

Remember this as a historical nickname for a British soldier, particularly from World War I.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.