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boss

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈbɑs// UK //bˈɒs// boss
  1. 1 manager or supervisor (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the person who is in charge of you at work and tells you what to do.

    a person who oversees and directs the work of others in a professional or organizational context.

    Example

    I need to ask my boss for a day off to go to the dentist.

    Example

    The department boss implemented a new policy regarding remote work to improve employee retention and overall morale.
  2. 2 video game enemy (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a very strong enemy at the end of a level in a video game.

    a significant non-player character enemy, typically encountered at the end of a stage, that is more difficult to defeat than standard enemies.

    Example

    It took me five tries to beat the final boss of the game.

    Example

    The game's final boss features multiple phases, requiring players to adapt their strategy as the enemy's attack patterns evolve.
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  1. 3 term of address (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal British English Dialect

    a friendly or informal way to address a man, often a customer.

    an informal vocative used to address a male peer or customer, often implying a casual or respectful rapport.

    Example

    Excuse me, boss, do you have the time?

    Example

    The market trader addressed every male customer as boss, a linguistic habit intended to build quick, informal rapport.
  2. 4 architectural protuberance (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a raised part or lump on a surface, often used for decoration.

    a decorative or functional protuberance on a surface, such as the intersection of vaulting ribs in architecture.

    Example

    The old shield had a metal boss in the center for extra strength.

    Example

    The Gothic ceiling was adorned with intricate stone bosses where the ribs of the vault met, each carved with a unique floral motif.
  3. 5 to give orders (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    to tell people what to do in a way that is annoying or too powerful.

    to exercise authoritative control over others, often in a domineering or repetitive manner.

    Example

    Stop trying to boss me around; I know how to do my job.

    Example

    She tended to boss her younger siblings around whenever their parents were out of the house, much to their annoyance.

    Usage

    Often used as the phrasal verb 'boss around'.
  4. 6 excellent (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang American English

    very good or impressive.

    of excellent quality; first-rate or highly impressive.

    Example

    That new car you bought is totally boss.

    Example

    The band played a boss set last night, leaving the audience hoping for an encore that never came.
Idioms1 entry

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