Policeman: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is traditionally used and is somewhat formal. It specifically refers to a male police officer and can sound a bit old-fashioned.

• The policeman directed traffic at the busy intersection.
• I saw a policeman patrolling the neighborhood.

This term is neutral, professional, and gender-neutral. It is suitable for both formal settings and daily conversation.

• A police officer helped the lost child find their parents.
• The police officer wrote a report about the incident.

This is an informal and colloquial term. It is commonly used in everyday conversation but can be considered disrespectful or casual.

• A cop pulled me over for speeding.
• The cops showed up just in time to catch the burglars.

This term is formal and broad. It can refer to any officer who enforces the law, not just police officers.

• The law enforcement officer testified in court.
• Law enforcement officers are trained to handle various situations.

This term is used in general, everyday conversation to refer to a male member of the police force.

• The policeman helped the children cross the street
• The policeman told us to move the car

This neutral term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to refer to any member of the police force, regardless of gender.

• A police officer arrived to help with the accident
• She became a police officer to make a difference in her community

This informal term is often used in casual conversation and sometimes in media like movies or TV shows. It can also have a slightly negative connotation.

• The cop pulled us over for speeding
• A cop showed up at the scene within minutes

This formal term is used in official contexts, such as documents, news reports, or when emphasizing the professional role of the person.

• The law enforcement officer was honored for his heroic actions
• The training program is for all law enforcement officers