Definition

Noun: A light colonel is a commissioned officer in the United States Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps holding a rank above major and below (full) colonel. It is the common name for the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Usage

The term "light colonel" is primarily used in informal or conversational contexts within the U.S. military to refer to an officer of the rank of lieutenant colonel. It distinguishes this rank from the higher rank of (full) colonel.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After his promotion, he was addressed as light colonel.
  • The light colonel gave the briefing to the assembled troops.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in direct address or casual reference, whereas "lieutenant colonel" is the official title used in formal documents and correspondence.
  • "Good morning, light colonel," the sergeant said.

Variants and Related Words

• Lieutenant Colonel (n): The full, official title for this military rank.
  • She was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Synonyms

• Lieutenant Colonel: The formal synonym.
• Lt. Col.: The standard written abbreviation.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "light" in this compound noun is not used in its common adjectival sense (e.g., not heavy, pale in color, or illumination). It is a fixed, historical part of the military title "lieutenant colonel," which has been shortened colloquially to "light colonel."

Noun

1. a commissioned officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines holding a rank above major and below colonel