chief

Definitions

1. noun

   The leader of a group or organization.

   Examples

   • My father was a chief by both blood and custom.
   • All firefighters report to the fire chief.
   ≈leader≈head≈director≈commander≈governor +3 more
2. noun

   The rank or position of the top person.

   Examples

   • Bob is our chief troubleshooter.
   • She was named editor in chief of the magazine.
3. noun

   The top part of a shield in heraldry.

   Examples

   • The coat of arms has three stars on the chief.
   • A line divides the chief from the rest of the shield.
4. noun

   The top or main part of something, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • The chief of the mountain stayed snowy all year.
   • He stood on the chief of the hill.
5. noun

   A friendly way to speak to a man, in informal speech.

   Examples

   • How old are you, chief?
   • Thanks, chief, I appreciate it.
6. noun

   An old and now rude way to address a Native American man.

   Examples

   • Old western films used the word chief in this way.
   • This use of the word is now seen as disrespectful.
7. adjective

   Main or most important.

   Examples

   • Carelessness was the chief cause of the accident.
   • His chief worry is money.
8. adjective

   Close and friendly, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • They have been chief friends since childhood.
   • The two families have always been chief.
9. verb

   To smoke an illegal drug, in slang.

   Examples

   • They spent the evening chiefing on the porch.
   • He said he had been chiefing before the interview.