# chief

/ˈtʃif/ (US) · /tʃˈiːf/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a leader

noun · CEFR B2

the person who is in charge of a group, a tribe, or a department.

For teachers: the head or leader of an organized body of people, such as a tribe, a police force, or a business unit.

- The fire chief arrived at the scene to coordinate the rescue efforts.
- The tribal chiefs gathered for a summit to discuss land rights and environmental protections for their ancestral territories.

### 2. informal address

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · British English

an informal way to address a man, sometimes used in a friendly or slightly rude way.

For teachers: a colloquial form of address, often used ironically or to assert a casual dominance; it can be perceived as patronizing or offensive in certain cultural contexts.

- Excuse me, chief, do you have the time?
- The shopkeeper's use of 'chief' felt slightly condescending to the younger customers, though he likely intended it as a friendly gesture.

Teaching tip: In North America, using this as a casual address to an Indigenous person is considered highly offensive and should be avoided.

### 3. most important

adjective · CEFR B2

the most important or main part of something.

For teachers: principal or most important in rank, importance, or influence.

- The chief reason for the delay was the heavy snow on the tracks.
- The chief architect of the project argued that structural integrity must take precedence over aesthetic flourishes.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

## Examples

- The police chief spoke to the reporters this morning.
- After the CEO resigned, the board appointed the former operations chief to lead the company through the transition.
- While the formal hierarchy lists several directors, the village chief remains the primary arbiter of local disputes and the most influential figure in community decision-making.

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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.