A1noun3K

Policeman

UK /["/pəˈliːsmən/"]/US /["/pəˈliːsmən/"]/

Definition

a male police officer

In simple words: A man who works for the police.

Examples

  • a plain-clothes/uniformed policeman
  • A policeman arrested the suspect at the scene of the crime.
  • An off-duty policeman chased after the man.
  • A policeman was called to the house just after midnight.
  • She went off to fetch a policeman.
  • The robbery may have been carried out with the help of a bent policeman.
  • the duties of the ordinary policeman
  • A heavy police presence, including mounted policemen , were on hand to control protesters.
  • Is this really an important issue to ordinary policemen and women?

Usage notes

Use 'policeman' when specifically referring to male police officers. In gender-neutral contexts, 'police officer' is preferred. Avoid in formal documents.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a man in a uniform, like a 'police' 'man' combating crime.

Collocations

  • senior
  • ordinary
  • local
  • call
  • patrol something
  • raid something
  • arrest somebody

Synonyms

  • police officer
  • law enforcement officer
  • cop
  • constable

Antonyms

  • criminal
  • offender

Common mistakes

  • Using 'police man' as two words.
  • Confusing with 'police officer', especially in gender-neutral contexts.
  • Assuming it refers to all police officers, including females.