What does "drill instructor" mean?

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).

What is a synonym for "drill instructor"?

Common synonyms include: drill master, drill sergeant, taskmaster.

Drill instructor

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

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). US
"Army: drill sergeant"
2
a noncommissioned officer who instructs recruits in military marching and discipline wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

drill master drill sergeant taskmaster

Example

More examples

"Navy: recruit division commander"

Next best steps

Browse writing guides Explore topic clusters