Phrase guide

drill instructor

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The generic term for the principal instructor of fresh military recruits undergoing basic training in the various branches of the United States military, routinely abbreviated to the initialism DI; always filled by enlisted personnel (a sergeant or petty officer).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Topics: government, military, politics, war

Examples

  • Army: drill sergeant
  • Navy: recruit division commander
  • Marine Corps: drill instructor
  • Air Force: military training instructor
  • Coast Guard: company commander

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a noncommissioned officer who instructs recruits in military marching and discipline

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: drill master

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: noncommissioned officer, noncom, enlisted officer

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.