A soldier is someone who works in the army and fights to protect their country. Soldiers wear special clothes called uniforms and often use weapons. This is the most common meaning of the word.
The soldier wore a uniform and carried a gun.
Soldiers protect their country in times of war.
Sometimes 'soldier' is used to describe a person who works very hard, like a farm worker or laborer. This meaning is more old-fashioned or poetic but still used in some contexts.
He is a soldier in the farm fields all day.
The soldiers worked hard to help with the harvest.
In old or poetic use, a 'soldier' can mean a pawn in the game of chess. Pawns are the smallest pieces and represent foot soldiers. This use is less common today but still known.
The soldier moves one step forward in the game.
She lost a soldier in the chess match yesterday.
As a verb, 'to soldier' means to keep trying or working hard, even when things are difficult. It is often used to show strong effort or determination.
She soldiered on despite the bad weather.
He soldiered through many problems at work.
'Soldier' can also mean a person who supports someone or works hard for a cause or leader, even if not officially in an army. This usage is common in everyday or political talk.
He was a soldier for the local political leader.
The soldiers helped the leader with the campaign.
In a figurative sense, a 'soldier' is someone who works hard and does their duties without complaining. People use this meaning to praise someone's effort or strength.
She is a soldier at the office every day.
They are soldiers even when work is tough.
