# chairman

/ˈtʃɛɹmən/ (US) · /tʃˈeəmən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chairman
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. leader of a board or group

noun · CEFR B2

the person who is the head of a company's board of directors or a large organization.

For teachers: the highest-ranking officer in a corporation or governmental body, typically presiding over the board of directors.

- The chairman announced that the company made a huge profit this year.
- The chairman of the board exercised his veto power to block the proposed merger, citing concerns over long-term shareholder value.

Teaching tip: In modern business, 'chair' or 'chairperson' is often preferred as a gender-neutral alternative.

### 2. person leading a meeting

noun · CEFR B2

the person who controls a meeting and decides who can speak.

For teachers: the individual presiding over a specific meeting or committee to ensure order and adherence to the agenda.

- The chairman asked everyone to be quiet so the presentation could begin.
- As chairman of the subcommittee, she was responsible for mediating the dispute between the two opposing factions during the hearing.

### 3. to lead a meeting

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to act as the leader of a meeting or a committee.

For teachers: to preside over or lead a formal meeting or organization.

- She was chosen to chairman the committee because of her long experience.
- He was invited to chairman the international conference, a role that required significant diplomatic skill and a deep understanding of protocol.

Usage: This verb is transitive and takes the organization or meeting as its direct object.

### 4. sedan chair carrier

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a person whose job was to carry people in a special chair on poles.

For teachers: a person employed to carry a sedan chair or similar portable conveyance.

- In the 1700s, a chairman would carry wealthy people through the narrow streets.
- The narrow alleys of the old city were once crowded with chairmen transporting the local nobility in ornate sedan chairs.

## Examples

- The chairman calls the meeting to order at nine.
- After the merger was announced, the chairman addressed the shareholders to explain the long-term benefits of the deal.
- The outgoing chairman maintained a neutral stance during the debate, ensuring that every board member had an equal opportunity to voice their concerns before the final vote.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.