chairman
n. · v.-
1 leader of a board or group (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe person who is the head of a company's board of directors or a large organization.
the highest-ranking officer in a corporation or governmental body, typically presiding over the board of directors.
ExampleThe chairman announced that the company made a huge profit this year.
ExampleThe chairman of the board exercised his veto power to block the proposed merger, citing concerns over long-term shareholder value.
Teacher's tipIn modern business, 'chair' or 'chairperson' is often preferred as a gender-neutral alternative.
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2 person leading a meeting (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe person who controls a meeting and decides who can speak.
the individual presiding over a specific meeting or committee to ensure order and adherence to the agenda.
ExampleThe chairman asked everyone to be quiet so the presentation could begin.
ExampleAs chairman of the subcommittee, she was responsible for mediating the dispute between the two opposing factions during the hearing.
- moderator
- presiding officer
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3 to lead a meeting (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto act as the leader of a meeting or a committee.
to preside over or lead a formal meeting or organization.
ExampleShe was chosen to chairman the committee because of her long experience.
ExampleHe was invited to chairman the international conference, a role that required significant diplomatic skill and a deep understanding of protocol.
UsageThis verb is transitive and takes the organization or meeting as its direct object.
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4 sedan chair carrier (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaica person whose job was to carry people in a special chair on poles.
a person employed to carry a sedan chair or similar portable conveyance.
ExampleIn the 1700s, a chairman would carry wealthy people through the narrow streets.
ExampleThe narrow alleys of the old city were once crowded with chairmen transporting the local nobility in ornate sedan chairs.
From chair + -man.
- Nounchairman
- Nounchairmanship