chairlady: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “chairlady” mean?
A woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or board of directors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or board of directors.
A female chairperson or president of an organization, often implying a formal leadership role with responsibility for conducting meetings and representing the group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties understand the term, but its frequency of use is low in both. It may be slightly more encountered in historical or very formal British contexts (e.g., local councils, charities) than in American English, where 'chairwoman' or simply 'chair' is more common.
Connotations
In both dialects, it can carry connotations of a past era (mid-20th century). In modern use, it may be chosen deliberately to highlight the gender of the chair, for example, in women's organizations.
Frequency
Very rare in contemporary professional writing. The neutral 'chair' or 'chairperson' is overwhelmingly preferred in official documents and mainstream media in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “chairlady” in a Sentence
[The + Adj] + chairlady + [of + NP][Person] + was elected/appointed + chairladyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chairlady” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chairlady's report was thorough.
- She addressed the chairlady question.
American English
- The chairlady position will be filled in April.
- We await the chairlady decision.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Generally avoided in modern corporate communication. May appear in the formal names of historical committees.
Academic
Rare. Found in historical texts or in specific references to women's studies or organizational history.
Everyday
Very uncommon. An older person might use it to refer to a female leader of a local club or society.
Technical
Not used in technical fields. Governance and parliamentary procedure guides use 'chair' or 'chairperson'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chairlady”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chairlady”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chairlady”
- Using 'chairlady' in contemporary formal writing.
- Assuming 'chairlady' is the standard or polite term (it is often the opposite).
- Using it as a verb (you cannot 'chairlady a meeting').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not considered impolite, but it is dated. The most polite and professional term in modern English is 'chair' or 'chairperson', as it does not highlight gender unnecessarily.
They are synonyms. 'Chairwoman' is slightly more common in recent decades, but both are being replaced by 'chair'. 'Chairlady' can sometimes sound more informal or old-fashioned compared to 'chairwoman'.
No, 'chairlady' is explicitly gendered female. The male equivalent is 'chairman', and the neutral term for any gender is 'chair' or 'chairperson'.
It is not recommended. Using 'Chair' or 'Chairperson' demonstrates awareness of contemporary, inclusive professional language. For example, write 'Chair, Finance Committee (2020-2023)'.
A woman who presides over a meeting, committee, or board of directors.
Chairlady is usually formal, somewhat dated in register.
Chairlady: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃeəˌleɪ.di/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃerˌleɪ.di/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take the chair (gender-neutral equivalent idiom for beginning a meeting)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LADY who takes the CHAIR at the head of the table.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADERSHIP IS A SEAT OF AUTHORITY (e.g., 'take the chair', 'the chair rules').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate and modern term for a woman presiding over a formal board meeting?