English Reference
noun

chamberlain

n.
US /ˈtʃeɪmbɝɫən/ UK /tʃˈeɪmbəlˌɪn/ cham·ber·lain UK spelling chamberlain's, chamberlain's

  1. 01 C2 Proficiency FormalArchaic

    a high-ranking official who manages the household of a king, queen, or noble person.

    a senior officer in a royal or noble household, historically responsible for managing domestic affairs and finances.

    Simple

    The Lord Chamberlain was responsible for organizing the king's daily schedule.

    In context

    Historically, the Chamberlain held significant influence at court, overseeing the monarch's private apartments and managing the royal purse.

    Usage

    Often used as a formal title, such as 'Lord Chamberlain'.

    Teacher's tip

    This term is mostly encountered in historical contexts, literature, or when discussing the British Royal Household.

Palace sources have suggested it was better to make the Lord Chamberlain's letter public, in a spirit of transparency, rather than risk it emerging in leaks.

BBC News· 7 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Frequent
Updated