# chamberlain

/ˈtʃeɪmbɝɫən/ (US) · /tʃˈeɪmbəlˌɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chamberlain
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. royal official

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

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

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

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

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

## Examples

- The chamberlain announced the arrival of the king.
- As the Lord Chamberlain, he was responsible for organizing all royal ceremonies and managing the palace staff.
- The historical records suggest that the chamberlain held significant political influence, as he controlled who was granted private access to the monarch's inner chambers.

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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.