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DictionarychiefLeader
noun / adjective

chief

CHEEF/tʃˈif/

Highest in rank or authority.

The fire chief speaks to the crew before the drill.

The leader of a small modern rescue team points to a simple unlettered route sketch while two team members listen attentively; leadership clear from action and arrangement, no ranks or insignia needed.
Etymology
chiefLatinhead; leader

Latin caput meant both the bodily 'head' and a leader. Chief preserves this image of the highest-ranking person as the head of a group.

In context

FRONTLINE PBS | Official45:54
Trump had put her in charge of the C.I.A., NSA, and 16 other agencies. As intelligence chief, she was challenging the case for war in public.
Trump’s Inner Circle & Use of Military Power | The War Cabinet (full documentary) | FRONTLINE (PBS)

More examples

  • Our chief concern is getting everyone home safely.
  • He served as chief engineer during construction.
  • The chief approved the new training schedule.

Forms

chief · chiefs

Similar words

leader
A broader term that need not be an official title.
head
A general person in charge without a particular title.