What does cadet mean?
A cadet is a person undergoing training to become a commissioned officer in the armed forces or a member of a police force, typically enrolled at a dedicated academy such as West Point or Sandhurst. The word connotes disciplined early-stage training rather than full professional status, and it also appears in civilian contexts such as youth organizations and sea cadet corps. Historically, 'cadet' referred to a younger son of a noble family — one who, lacking an inheritance under primogeniture, often sought a career in the military. That older sense survives mainly in historical writing, but it explains the word's strong association with military life. Today the term is neutral in tone and widely understood across both British and American English, appearing in phrases like 'police cadet,' 'cadet corps,' and 'naval cadet.' Its derivatives include 'cadetship,' denoting the position or rank of being a cadet. For learners of English, 'cadet' is a useful word because it captures an institutionally recognized stage between recruit and officer.
A trainee in an armed service or police force, especially one training to become a commissioned officer at a military academy.
"The cadets marched in formation across the parade ground."
Also used historically for a younger son, though this sense is now rare.
A younger son, especially of a noble family (historical usage).
"Being a younger son, he was known in the family as merely a cadet."
The standard plural follows regular English noun formation by adding -s.
"The academy welcomed two hundred new cadets this autumn."
The word 'cadet' once meant a younger son — the one who couldn't inherit the family estate, so he joined the army instead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cadet
The word 'cadet' entered English in the early 17th century from French, where it originally meant a younger son of a family, especially one of noble birth. The French form derives from the dialectal 'capdet,' meaning a chief or head, ultimately from Latin 'caput,' meaning 'head.' Related words sharing this root include 'cadence,' which came through Italian musical usage, and 'cadency,' referring to heraldic marks distinguishing younger branches of a family. The shift from 'younger son' to 'military trainee' reflects the historical reality that landless younger sons commonly sought careers as officers.
Related word forms
How cadet is actually used
The primary modern sense refers to military or police trainees; the 'younger son' meaning is largely historical and now rare. In British English, 'cadet' can also refer to members of youth organizations such as the Army Cadet Force.
Easily confused with cadet
A caddie carries a golfer's clubs, whereas a cadet is a military or police trainee.