chiefs

chiefs · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Leaders or heads of organizations, tribes, or groups.

  2. 2.

    The highest-ranking people in particular organizations or fields.

  3. 3.

    (proper noun) The Kansas City Chiefs, a professional American football team.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    too many chiefs and not enough Indians — too many people want to lead and not enough want to follow (Note: this phrase is considered dated/offensive by some)
  • •
    chiefs of staff — senior military or political advisors

Related words

Antonyms: followers, subordinates
See also: boss, chief, commander, leader
Synonyms: bosses, commanders, heads, leaders

Etymology

Plural of chief, from Old French chief ("head, leader"), from Latin caput ("head").