colonel
UK: ˈkɜːnəl | US: ˈkɜːrnəl
n. a military rank above lieutenant colonel and below brigadier general
n. (historical) the commander of a regiment in certain armies
colonel = colon<column> + el<noun suffix>
- colon<column>: From Italian colonello (leader of a column of soldiers), derived from Latin columna (pillar, column).
- el<noun suffix>: A diminutive or agentive suffix in Romance languages, here marking the role of leadership.
Etymology Origin:
The word colonel traces back to the Italian colonello, meaning "leader of a column (of troops)." It entered English via French in the 16th century, where the spelling coronel reflected its pronunciation. Over time, the spelling reverted to colonel to align with its Italian/Latin roots, but the pronunciation retained the French-influenced "kernel" sound, creating a notorious spelling-pronunciation discrepancy.
The colonel inspected the troops before the parade.
He was promoted to colonel after years of distinguished service.
The colonel devised a strategic plan for the mission.
In historical dramas, colonels often wear ornate uniforms.
She addressed the colonel with formal respect.