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Glite Dictionary
caporal

caporal

9.9
A low-ranking soldier who leads a small group of soldiers
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : caporal
  • Climactic aerial fireworks illuminate the voladores landing, the descent of the elder caporal lead dancer from atop the pole.

Examples

  • He didn't put a cigarette in his mouth for effect; he tried Dukes and Caporals a few times and coughed too much.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • He tapped out a Caporal and struck a pose of appropriate cool.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Trailing their panicked Caporal, the Legionnaires sprint through the river.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • Camera cranes down across several time-worn, ancient Moroccan structures to a small group of misfits marching behind a Foreign Legion caporal-chef away from the docks.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • The young caporal was in charge of leading his squad during training exercises.

  • During the parade, the caporal proudly marched in front of the troops.

  • Our caporal gave us clear instructions before we headed out on the mission.

Synonyms

corporal
vscaporal
  • Specialized
450 4.3

A low-ranking soldier who leads a small group

is a junior rank used in some countries and similar in status
Cpl
vscaporal
  • Jargon
5 6.1

Short form for corporal, a low-ranking soldier who leads a small group

is the full rank title used in some countries rather than an abbreviation

How Senior

sergeant
422 3.9
corporal
  • Specialized
450 4.3
caporal
  • Specialized
9.9
private
76 3.7

Surface Forms

caporal singular
caporals plural

Etymology

The word caporal comes from Italian caporale, from a root meaning 'head', the same idea behind the familiar word captain. It originally named someone who led a small group, so a caporal is still a junior leader in the army.