cochairperson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowFormal, Official, Professional
Quick answer
What does “cochairperson” mean?
One of two or more people who jointly hold the position of chairperson, presiding over a meeting or committee together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of two or more people who jointly hold the position of chairperson, presiding over a meeting or committee together.
A person who shares the leadership role of an organization, committee, conference, or event with one or more other individuals, typically with equal authority and responsibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar, with no significant difference in meaning. The hyphenated form 'co-chairperson' may be slightly more common in British English, while both forms are accepted in American English.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Connotes shared responsibility and modern, egalitarian organizational structures.
Frequency
More frequent in formal organizational contexts (corporate, academic, non-profit) than in everyday speech in both regions. 'Cochair' or 'co-chair' is a more common short form in both.
Grammar
How to Use “cochairperson” in a Sentence
Cochairperson of [committee/organization]Serve as cochairperson for [event]Elected cochairpersonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cochairperson” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was asked to co-chair the working group with Dr. Evans.
- They will co-chair the annual summit next autumn.
American English
- He agreed to co-chair the fundraising committee with Maria.
- They are co-chairing the city's climate initiative.
adjective
British English
- The co-chairperson role requires significant time commitment.
- She attended in her co-chairperson capacity.
American English
- The cochairperson position was established last year.
- He has cochairperson responsibilities for the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in corporate boardrooms or steering committees to denote shared leadership, often to balance expertise or representation.
Academic
Common for conferences, symposiums, or departmental committees where leadership is shared among faculty or experts.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; would be used when specifically discussing formal committee structures.
Technical
Used in governance, parliamentary procedure, and organizational bylaws to define shared presiding roles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cochairperson”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cochairperson”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cochairperson”
- Using 'cochairperson' as a verb (it's primarily a noun). The verb is 'to co-chair'.
- Omitting the hyphen in formal writing when style guides require 'co-chairperson'.
- Using it to refer to a subordinate instead of an equal leader.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'cochairperson' and 'co-chairperson' are correct. The hyphenated form is often preferred in formal writing, especially in British English, but dictionaries list both. Follow the style guide of your organization or publication.
A 'cochairperson' shares equal authority and the primary role with another person. A 'vice chairperson' is second-in-command to a single chairperson and assumes the role in the chairperson's absence.
No, the noun is 'cochairperson' (or 'co-chairperson'). The corresponding verb is 'to co-chair' (e.g., 'They agreed to co-chair the event').
No, it is a formal, specific term used in official contexts like corporate boards, academic committees, conferences, and non-profit organisations. In casual conversation, people might simply say 'one of the chairs' or 'they are both running the meeting'.
One of two or more people who jointly hold the position of chairperson, presiding over a meeting or committee together.
Cochairperson is usually formal, official, professional in register.
Cochairperson: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊˈtʃeəpɜːs(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊˈtʃerpɜːrs(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To share the gavel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CO-' as meaning 'together' + 'CHAIR' + 'PERSON' = a person who shares the chair (leadership position) with another.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADERSHIP IS A SEAT (sharing the seat of authority).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key implication of the prefix 'co-' in 'cochairperson'?