chairman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, official, business
Quick answer
What does “chairman” mean?
The person who presides over a meeting, committee, board, or organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The person who presides over a meeting, committee, board, or organization.
A person in a position of authority or leadership, typically the head of a company, institution, or governing body.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'chairman' is still commonly used in formal corporate and parliamentary contexts (e.g., 'Chairman of the Board'). In American English, there is a stronger trend toward gender-neutral terms like 'chair' or 'chairperson' in many public-facing and corporate settings.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of traditional authority and formal hierarchy. In the US, it may sometimes sound more dated or deliberately traditional.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English in official contexts. Declining in American English in favor of 'chair' or 'chairperson'.
Grammar
How to Use “chairman” in a Sentence
chairman of [organization]elected chairmanserved as chairman for [period]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The Chairman of the Board will present the annual report to shareholders.
Academic
The chairman of the thesis committee oversees the student's defense.
Everyday
They elected John as chairman for the neighbourhood association.
Technical
The chairman called for a vote on the motion after debate.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chairman”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chairman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chairman”
- Using 'chairman' as a verb (correct verb is 'to chair').
- Using 'the chairman' without 'of' when specifying the organization (e.g., 'chairman the board' is incorrect).
- Overusing 'chairman' when 'chair' would be sufficient and more modern.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is still used, especially in formal British contexts and historical titles, but 'chair' or 'chairperson' is often preferred in modern, inclusive language to avoid gender-specific terms.
The verb is 'to chair', as in 'She will chair the meeting.' 'Chairman' is not used as a verb.
Historically, the term was used regardless of the holder's gender. However, this is now considered dated and potentially confusing. Terms like 'chair', 'chairperson', or 'madam chairman' (though also dated) are alternatives.
The 'chairman' (or 'chair') typically presides over the board of directors, setting its agenda and ensuring proper governance. The 'CEO' (Chief Executive Officer) is the top executive responsible for day-to-day management and operations of the company. Sometimes one person holds both roles.
The person who presides over a meeting, committee, board, or organization.
Chairman is usually formal, official, business in register.
Chairman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃeəmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃermən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass the gavel (to a new chairman)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person who is in charge of a meeting, sitting in the main 'chair' and leading the 'man'agement of the discussion.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADERSHIP IS BEING AT THE HEAD OF THE TABLE / AUTHORITY IS THE CENTRAL SEAT
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST gender-neutral and modern synonym for 'chairman' in a formal meeting context?