colonel
Translation
colonel
Examples
The colonel gave the order to advance.
The colonel gave the order to advance.
She was promoted to the rank of colonel.
She was promoted to the rank of colonel.
Grammar Patterns
((a/the)) colonel ((...)) a high-ranking military officer The colonel is a high-ranking officer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: officer, commander
Etymology
From Italian 'colonnello' (commander of a column of soldiers). The strange English pronunciation ('kernel') comes from an older spelling, 'coronel'.
Memory Tips
Note the unusual pronunciation: it sounds like 'kernel', not 'co-lo-nel'. This is a key point for learners.