English

Noun

second lieutenant ‎(plural second lieutenants)

1. The lowest rank of a commissioned army officer, below a lieutenant.
2. The lowest rank of a commissioned officer in the United States Army, United States Air Force, or United States Marine Corps, below a first lieutenant. The rank of second lieutenant is equivalent to the naval rank of ensign.

Usage notes

When used as a title, it is always capitalized.

Example: Second Lieutenant Jane Doe.

The rank corresponds to pay grade O-1. Abbreviations: 2LT (Army), 2ndLt (Marine Corps), 2d Lt (Air Force).

Coordinate terms

(rank under lieutenant):

• lieutenant junior grade
• sublieutenant

Synonyms

• ensign (traditional infantry lowest commission officer rank)
• coronet (traditional cavalry lowest commission officer rank)

Translations