police officer

noun

Synonyms of police officernext
: a member of a police force

Examples of police officer in a Sentence

there were police officers directing traffic around the scene of the accident
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prosecutors alleged that Fabrício Queiroz, a former police officer who worked as Bolsonaro’s adviser, helped operate such a scheme within the politician’s legislative office. Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 Patterson told the council that police officers will not search for violators or target minors who are out on dates or watching movies. Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 When police officers in Oklahoma admitted to using electro-shock gloves to subdue two students over the 2025-2026 school year, the community was rightfully outraged. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026 In an affidavit, a police officer reported that some residents learned to carry two wallets, one with a few dollars that could be surrendered when a gang member stuck a gun in their face, and the other with the rest of their money. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for police officer

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of police officer was in 1797

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Police officer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/police%20officer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

police officer

noun
: a member of a police force
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!