# foreman

/ˈfɔɹmən/ (US) · /fˈɔːmən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. workplace supervisor

noun · CEFR B2

a person who is in charge of a group of workers, especially in a factory or on a building site.

For teachers: a worker who supervises a group of other workers, typically in a manual or industrial setting.

- The foreman told the construction crew to start working on the roof.
- The factory foreman implemented a new shift rotation to ensure that production targets were met without compromising safety standards.

Usage: Traditionally masculine; 'forewoman' is used for women, though 'supervisor' is a common gender-neutral alternative.

Teaching tip: While 'foreman' is still common in trades, many modern workplaces prefer gender-neutral titles like 'team lead' or 'supervisor'.

### 2. jury spokesperson

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the person who leads a jury in a court and speaks for them when they give their decision.

For teachers: the member of a jury who presides over its deliberations and delivers the verdict to the court.

- The foreman stood up to read the jury's final decision to the judge.
- After three days of deliberation, the foreman informed the bailiff that the jury had reached a unanimous verdict.

Usage: In many modern legal systems, the term 'presiding juror' is replacing 'foreman' to be more inclusive.

Teaching tip: This is a specific legal role; the foreman is usually elected by the other jurors at the start of deliberations.

## Examples

- The foreman told the workers to start the next task.
- After three days of deliberation, the foreman stood up to read the jury's final decision to the court.
- While the site manager handles the high-level logistics, the foreman remains on the ground to ensure that safety protocols are followed and daily quotas are met.

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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.