Definition of "commander"

One who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization.  examples

A naval officer whose rank is above that of a lieutenant commander and below that of captain.  quotations  examples

One who exercises control and direction over a group of persons.  examples

A designation or rank in certain non-military organizations such as NASA and various police forces.  examples

(obsolete) The chief officer of a commandry.

A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, in sail lofts, etc.  examples

A rank within an honorary order: e.g. Commander of the Legion of Honour.  examples

Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the Asian genus Moduza.  examples