chairperson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, neutral, professional.
Quick answer
What does “chairperson” mean?
A person who presides over a meeting, committee, board, or event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who presides over a meeting, committee, board, or event.
A formal, gender-neutral term for the individual who leads an organized group, ensuring orderly procedure, facilitating discussion, and often representing the group externally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'chair' or 'chairperson' is common in formal/corporate contexts; 'chairman' persists more strongly in some traditional institutions. In the UK, 'chair' and 'chairperson' are widely adopted in public and corporate sectors; 'chairman' remains in some traditional settings (e.g., Parliament).
Connotations
Connotes formality, neutrality, and modern inclusivity. May be perceived as overly politically correct by some, while others see it as standard professional practice.
Frequency
High frequency in official documents, corporate communications, academia, and media. 'Chair' is often used as a shorter equivalent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chairperson” in a Sentence
chairperson of [organization/committee]chairperson for [event/meeting]elected/appointed/served as chairpersonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chairperson” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will chairperson the panel next week. (Rare but attested; 'chair' is standard.)
American English
- He was asked to chairperson the task force. (Rare; 'chair' is preferred.)
adjective
British English
- The chairperson role involves significant responsibility. (Noun used attributively.)
American English
- She attended the chairperson election. (Noun used attributively.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The chairperson will present the annual report to the shareholders.
Academic
The ethics committee chairperson called the meeting to order.
Everyday
Sarah was chosen as the chairperson for the school fundraiser.
Technical
The chairperson has the casting vote in the event of a tie.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chairperson”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chairperson”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chairperson”
- Using 'chairperson' as a title without 'the' (e.g., 'Chairperson Smith opened the meeting' is acceptable, but 'The chairperson Smith...' is wrong).
- Using plural verb with 'chairperson' (e.g., 'The chairperson are...' is incorrect; it's 'The chairperson is...').
- Spelling as 'chair person' (should be one word or hyphenated: chair-person, though solid form is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'chairperson' is explicitly gender-neutral and can be used for any person holding the position.
'Chair' is a common shortened form of 'chairperson'. Both are correct and neutral, with 'chair' being more concise and often preferred in continuous text.
Both are used. 'Chairperson of' is more common for permanent roles (e.g., chairperson of the board). 'Chairperson for' is often used for a specific event or meeting (e.g., chairperson for the annual conference).
Formally, you can say 'Madam Chairperson', 'Mr. Chairperson', or simply 'Chairperson [Last Name]'. In many meetings, it's common to address them as 'Mr. Chair' or 'Madam Chair'.
A person who presides over a meeting, committee, board, or event.
Chairperson is usually formal, neutral, professional. in register.
Chairperson: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃeəpɜːs(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃerpɜːrs(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to take the chair (as chairperson)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person in the CHAIR who is in charge. A CHAIR + PERSON = CHAIRPERSON.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADERSHIP IS BEING AT THE HEAD / IN THE SEAT OF AUTHORITY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most formal and gender-neutral term for the leader of a meeting?