# dean

/ˈdin/ (US) · /dˈiːn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

the person in charge of a specific part of a college or university. They often look after the students or the teachers in one department.

For teachers: the administrative head of a university faculty or department, or a high-ranking official in charge of student affairs.

## Examples

- The dean will meet with the students tomorrow.
- After the protest, the dean of students promised to review the university's housing policy.
- Securing a research grant often requires the formal approval of the dean, who must balance the department's academic goals with its current fiscal constraints.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a title before a surname, in which case it is capitalized.

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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.