the player chosen to lead a sports team on and off the field
The basketball captain called a quick huddle to plan the final play.
The crowd cheered as the soccer captain lifted the trophy high.
✦ Extended to sports in the 19th century as organized team games became popular.
the person who has ultimate authority and responsibility for a ship and everyone on board
The captain stood on the bridge and guided the ferry through the fog.
A cheerful female captain greeted the passengers as they boarded the cruise liner.
✦ From Latin “capitaneus” meaning “chief” or “leader,” derived from “caput” (head).
an officer rank in the army or air force that is above lieutenant and below major, usually responsible for leading a company or flight
The captain briefed the soldiers before they moved out on patrol.
A young female captain received a medal for her quick decisions in battle.
✦ Adopted into Middle English to describe military leaders as organized armies developed in Europe.
a mid-level officer in some police or fire departments who commands a precinct, station, or group of units
The police captain assigned more patrols to the neighborhood after the burglary.
A female fire captain inspected the trucks before the night shift began.
✦ In U.S. municipal services, the title was adopted in the 19th century to mirror military structure.
to lead a team, ship, or group as its captain
She will captain the national hockey team at the championships.
He captained the research vessel during its voyage to Antarctica.
✦ Verb use arose in the 18th century from the noun, meaning to serve or act as a captain.
