commander Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an officer in command of a military unit
    commanding officer; commandant.
  2. noun someone in an official position of authority who can command or control others
  3. noun a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a lieutenant commander and below a captain
  4. noun an officer in the airforce
    air force officer.

WordNet

Com*mand"er noun
Etymology
Cf. F. commandeur. Cf. Commodore, Commender.
Definitions
  1. A chief; one who has supreme authority; a leader; the chief officer of an army, or of any division of it.
    A leader and commander to the people. Is. lv. 4.
  2. (Navy) An officer who ranks next below a captain, -- ranking with a lieutenant colonel in the army.
  3. The chief officer of a commandery.
  4. A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, in sail lofts, etc. Syn. -- See Chief.

Webster 1913