first officer
A 'first officer' is a key second-in-command role across various fields including aviation, maritime, military, and diplomacy.
Definition
B2Aviation
(technical)The copilot of an aircraft who assists the captain and takes over if the captain is unable to perform their duties.
Example
- The first officer monitored the flight instruments while the captain communicated with air traffic control.
B2Maritime
(technical)The chief mate of a merchant ship, responsible for navigation and safety, and second in command to the captain.
Example
- The first officer ensured that the ship's cargo was securely loaded and balanced.
B2Military
(technical)The executive officer on a naval vessel, second in command after the captain.
Example
- The first officer coordinated the crew's activities during the naval exercise.
C1Diplomacy
(formal)The most senior civil servant in a U.S. embassy, managing operations under the ambassador's authority.
Example
- The first officer handled the embassy's daily operations and reported directly to the ambassador.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "first officer":
fire officerfirst lieutenantcrew chiefnaval officersecond lieutenantfleet captaincase officerflight directorfighter pilot