Commander meaning : One who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization. A naval officer whose rank is above that of a lieutenant commander and below that of captain. One who exercises control and direction over a group of persons. A designation or rank in certain non-military organizations such as NASA and various police forces. The chief officer of a commandry. A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, in sail lofts, etc. A rank within an honorary order: e.g. Commander of the Legion of Honour. Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the Asian genus Moduza.