# chancellor

/ˈtʃænsəɫɝ/ (US) · /tʃˈɑːnsɛlɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. head of government

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the leader of the government in some countries, such as Germany or Austria.

For teachers: the head of the executive branch of government in certain parliamentary democracies, notably Germany and Austria.

- The German chancellor met with other world leaders to discuss the new trade agreement.
- The chancellor addressed the federal parliament to outline the government's proposed legislative agenda for the coming fiscal year.

### 2. university leader

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the person in charge of a university, though sometimes the role is just for ceremonies.

For teachers: the executive head or ceremonial leader of a university or college system.

- The university chancellor gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.
- While the vice-chancellor manages daily operations, the chancellor represents the university at major international academic forums.

Teaching tip: In the UK and Australia, the Chancellor is often a ceremonial figurehead, while the Vice-Chancellor does the actual work of running the school.

### 3. finance minister

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

a short name for the government official in charge of a country's money and taxes.

For teachers: a common ellipsis for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the senior official responsible for the national treasury.

- The chancellor announced a new tax on plastic bottles to help the environment.
- Financial markets reacted sharply when the chancellor hinted at a significant increase in interest rates during the autumn budget statement.

Usage: Usually used with 'the' and capitalized when referring to the specific person in office.

Teaching tip: This sense is almost exclusively used in British English to refer to the head of the Treasury.

### 4. legal/church official

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a high-level judge or a person in charge of legal records for a church.

For teachers: a high-ranking legal officer, such as a judge in a court of equity or a senior official in a cathedral or diocese.

- The church chancellor was responsible for keeping all the historical records safe.
- The case was brought before the chancellor of the court, who specialized in matters of equity rather than standard criminal law.

## Examples

- The Chancellor announced a new budget for the upcoming year.
- After the election, the newly appointed Chancellor addressed the nation to outline the government's economic priorities.
- The university Chancellor presided over the graduation ceremony, delivering a speech that emphasized the institution's commitment to research and global collaboration.

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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.