police officer

[puh-lees aw-fuh-ser, of-uh-]

noun

1. any policeman or policewoman; patrolman or patrolwoman.

2. a person having officer rank on a police force.

police officer

noun

1. Often (esp as form of address) shortened to: officer. a member of a police force, esp a constable; policeman

Word History and Origins

Origin of police officer¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Local police officers and experts would work together to "determine the species of shark involved".

From BBC

He did, though, start his testimony this week with a tribute to David Rose, the police officer who died in the shooting.

From BBC

Bucur had been stopped the previous month by a police officer in a car that had been reported stolen.

From Los Angeles Times

Around the outfield he went, greeting police officers and members of the grounds crew.

From Los Angeles Times

Just weeks before, a gunman fired 500 rounds at the CDC's headquarters in Atlanta, killing a police officer.

From BBC

Related Words

• constable 
• deputy 
• detective 
• marshal 
• military police 
• officer 
• policeman 
• trooper