first officer
A 'first officer' is a key second-in-command role across various fields including aviation, maritime, military, and diplomacy.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
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":
first lieutenantcrew chiefnaval officersecond lieutenantfleet captaincase officerflight director