Definition

1. Noun:
   • A noncommissioned officer serving as chief administrative officer of a headquarters unit of the Army: A senior enlisted rank, typically the principal advisor to a commander on enlisted matters and the unit's administration.
   • A large, blue-grey damselfish with black stripes, found nearly worldwide: A species of marine fish (Abudefduf saxatilis) commonly seen around reefs.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Military rank):
  • The sergeant major called the unit to formation.
  • All personnel reports must be signed by the sergeant major.
• Noun (Fish):
  • We saw a school of sergeant majors by the coral reef.
  • The sergeant major is easily identified by its five vertical black bars.

Advanced Usage

• "Sergeant Major of the Army": A unique senior enlisted appointment and rank, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, serving as an advisor to the Chief of Staff.
  • The Sergeant Major of the Army addressed the troops during the ceremony.
• Used as a formal title of address.
  • "Yes, Sergeant Major," the soldier replied.

Variants and Related Words

• Sergeant major general: A commissioned officer rank, distinct from the enlisted rank of sergeant major.
• First Sergeant: A senior noncommissioned officer rank, often confused with but distinct from sergeant major in role and seniority.

Synonyms

• Command Sergeant Major: A specific rank and position for a senior noncommissioned officer in command of a battalion, brigade, or division.
• Fish: For the animal, specific synonyms include five-finger (a regional name for the fish).

Related Phrases

• Office of the Sergeant Major: The administrative section overseen by the sergeant major.
  • The memo was issued from the Office of the Sergeant Major.

Noun

1. large blue-grey black-striped damselfish; nearly worldwide
2. a noncommissioned officer serving as chief administrative officer of a headquarters unit of the Army