French word

amiral

Pronunciation

IPA/amiʁal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounadmiral

Example

L'amiral a pris la parole.

The admiral took the floor.

Illustration for amiral (admiral)

More examples

Il a été nommé amiral après des années de service.

He was appointed admiral after years of service.

Core concept

A single commander coordinating the movements and strategy of many warships.

Similar words

capitaine: The person in charge of a single ship's operation and crew.
officier: An officer in the military or marines who performs missions and supervises subordinates.
commandant: A military officer of middle to senior rank who commands a unit or ship.

Definition in French

Grade élevé de la marine désignant l'officier responsable du commandement d'une flotte ou d'une force navale.

Word origin

French borrowed amiral through the Italian form ammiraglio, which ultimately derives from the Arabic expression amīr al-baḥr.

Usage tips

  • The plural of amiral is amiraux, not amirals, despite the singular form's resemblance to English.

Word lists with this word