What does patrolman mean?
A patrolman is a man who patrols, most commonly a police officer responsible for monitoring a particular area on foot or in a patrol car. The word is especially familiar in American English, where it evokes the neighborhood or beat officer of older police traditions, although it can also refer more generally to a member of a military, security, or civilian patrol. In modern usage, police officer is often preferred when the person's gender is not relevant, but patrolman remains a clear and established occupational noun. Its strongest association is with vigilance and local knowledge: a patrolman becomes familiar with the streets, buildings, and routines of the area under his watch. The word can sound traditional or slightly dated in some contemporary British contexts, but it remains readily understood in both British and American English.
nounA police officer assigned to patrol a particular area, typically on foot or in a patrol car. More generally, a man who serves as a member of a patrol, such as a security, military, or civilian patrol.
- A police officer assigned to patrol a particular area, usually on foot or in a patrol car.
- A man who is a member of a security, military, or other organized patrol.
"The patrolman checked the storefronts along the avenue before midnight."
"A patrolman radioed headquarters after noticing an open warehouse door."
"The patrolman led the group carefully through the darkened building."
Patrolmen is the standard plural; patrolmans is nonstandard.
"Two patrolmen guarded the entrance throughout the night."
Patrolman puts the job in miniature: a person on the beat, watching, moving, and reporting what ordinary life can hide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patrolman come from?
Patrolman is an English compound formed in the 19th century from patrol and man. The word patrol entered English through French, from Spanish patrulla. Patroller and patrolwoman are later English formations built on the same base, while patrolman became especially associated with police and other uniformed services.
Related word forms
How patrolman is actually used
The term is especially associated with American police usage. In modern institutional language, police officer is often preferred when the person's gender is irrelevant.
Easily confused with patrolman
A patrol is the activity or group responsible for monitoring an area, whereas a patrolman is an individual who carries out that role.