Definition

Noun A military rank for a commissioned officer in the United States Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps. A first lieutenant ranks above a second lieutenant and below a captain.

Usage

The term "first lieutenant" is used as a title or to denote a specific officer rank within the military hierarchy. * He was promoted to first lieutenant after two years of service. * First Lieutenant Davis will be leading the platoon.

Advanced Usage

• The rank is often abbreviated in writing as 1LT (Army/Air Force) or 1stLt (Marine Corps).
• In direct address, a first lieutenant is typically called "Lieutenant."

Variants and Related Words

• Lieutenant: The general term; a first lieutenant is a specific grade of lieutenant.
• Second Lieutenant: The commissioned officer rank immediately below first lieutenant.
• Captain: The commissioned officer rank immediately above first lieutenant.

Synonyms

• 1LT (Abbreviation, U.S. Army/Air Force)
• 1stLt (Abbreviation, U.S. Marine Corps)

Different Meanings

• In some other national armed forces, the equivalent rank may have a different title (e.g., "Lieutenant" in the British Army).
• The term "lieutenant" alone, without "first," can be ambiguous as it may refer to various officer grades.

Noun

1. a commissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a 2nd lieutenant and below a captain