captain captain /ˈkæptən/

noun

1. () (military) an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant  ( captain )
   (military) an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
     Captain Smith commanded a fleet of military aircraft.
   Captain Smith commanded a fleet of military aircraft.
   
2. () (military) the naval officer in command of a military ship  ( skipper , captain )
   (military) the naval officer in command of a military ship
     The ship's captain skillfully navigated through treacherous waters.
   The ship's captain skillfully navigated through treacherous waters.
   
   
3. () A policeman in charge of a precinct  ( police captain , police chief , captain )
   a policeman in charge of a precinct
   
4. () An officer who is licensed to command a merchant ship  ( master , sea captain , skipper , captain )
   an officer who is licensed to command a merchant ship
    The captain of the ship was experienced and knowledgeable about navigating the sea
   The captain of the ship was experienced and knowledgeable about navigating the sea
   
   
5. () The leader of a group of people  ( captain , chieftain )
   the leader of a group of people
    A captain of industry
   a captain of industry
   
6. A dining-room attendant who is in charge of the waiters and the seating of customers  ( captain , headwaiter , maitre d' , maitre d'hotel )
   a dining-room attendant who is in charge of the waiters and the seating of customers
   
7. The pilot in charge of an airship  ( captain , senior pilot )
   the pilot in charge of an airship
   

verb

1. Be the captain of a sports team  ( captain )
   be the captain of a sports team