midshipman

noun

mid·​ship·​man ˈmid-ˌship-mən How to pronounce midshipman (audio)
ˌmid-ˈship-
: a person in training for a naval commission
especially : a student in a naval academy

Examples of midshipman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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However, Section 557 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025 amended the statutes defining the agreement signed by new midshipmen and cadets attending a military service academy and their resulting service obligations. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Several attendees recounted the legend that a discussion between a St. John's College student and the Commandant of the Naval Academy led to the latter's challenge that his midshipmen could beat Johnnies at any sport. Tyrone Turner, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025 After 1839, the building held three separate institutions: the Naval Asylum for veterans, a hospital for current naval sailors, and a small school for midshipmen—a predecessor to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 Today, cadets and midshipmen at the academies study theories of civil-military relations that emphasize the apolitical nature of military service and a strict separation of military institutions from partisan concerns. Ryan Shaw / Made By History, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for midshipman

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of midshipman was in 1662

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Cite this Entry

“Midshipman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midshipman. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

midshipman

noun
mid·​ship·​man ˈmid-ˌship-mən How to pronounce midshipman (audio)
(ˈ)mid-ˈship-
: a student naval officer

More from Merriam-Webster on midshipman

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