chairman

chair-man · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The person who presides over a meeting, committee, or organization.

  2. 2.

    The head of a company's board of directors.

Forms

plural: chairmen

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chairman of the board — the head of a corporate board
  • •
    vice chairman — second in command to the chairman

Related words

See also: chair, chairperson, director, president
Synonyms: chair, chairperson, head, president

Etymology

Compound of chair (in the sense of a position of authority) + man. The term dates from the 17th century. Gender-neutral alternatives like chairperson or simply chair are now often preferred.