first lord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Historical, Official
Quick answer
What does “first lord” mean?
The highest-ranking official or leader in a particular organization or government department, especially in British contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The highest-ranking official or leader in a particular organization or government department, especially in British contexts.
A title historically used for the head of various British government departments (e.g., First Lord of the Treasury, First Lord of the Admiralty). In modern usage, it can also refer metaphorically to a person who holds supreme authority in a specific field or organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'First Lord' is a recognized historical/governmental title (e.g., First Lord of the Treasury). In American English, the term is rarely used outside historical references to British institutions; equivalent concepts use different terminology (e.g., 'Secretary of the Navy').
Connotations
UK: Historical prestige, governmental authority, tradition. US: Primarily associated with British history or period dramas.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English, particularly in historical/political contexts. Very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “first lord” in a Sentence
[First Lord] + of + [Organization/Department][Person] + was + [First Lord] + of + [Department]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first lord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A – not used attributively as an adjective.
American English
- N/A – not used attributively as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear metaphorically: 'He acts as the first lord of the marketing division.'
Academic
Used in historical/political studies discussing British government structures.
Everyday
Very uncommon in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific to British constitutional history and naval/military administration contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first lord”
- Using 'first lord' as a general term for any boss (too specific).
- Capitalizing incorrectly when not part of an official title (e.g., 'the first Lord' vs. 'the First Lord').
- Using it in American contexts where 'Secretary' or 'Director' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different roles. The First Lord of the Treasury is a title held by the Prime Minister, while the Chancellor is the minister responsible for economic and financial matters.
It is very rare. It might be used metaphorically or humorously (e.g., 'the first lord of the coffee machine'), but this is not standard usage.
Historically, yes, as 'lord' is masculine. In modern references to the historical title, it remains as was. For contemporary non-historical metaphorical use, gender-neutral terms like 'head' or 'leader' are preferred.
The specific title 'First Lord' is uniquely British in origin and usage. Other countries have equivalent positions with different titles (e.g., Secretary, Minister, Director).
The highest-ranking official or leader in a particular organization or government department, especially in British contexts.
First lord is usually formal, historical, official in register.
First lord: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈlɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈlɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “First among equals (related concept)”
- “Top of the tree (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'FIRST' person in charge, who is a 'LORD' (high-ranking noble/official) in a British setting.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS VERTICALITY (the 'first' lord is at the top).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'First Lord' most accurately used today?