Meaning of chief In English

• 0 most important or main:

  • The chief problem we have in the area now is the spread of disease.

  • The weather was our chief reason for coming here.

• 1 highest in rank:

  • the chief fire officer/accountant

• 2 the person in charge of a group or organization, or the ruler of a tribe:

  • a police chief

  • A new chief of the security forces has just been appointed.

  • [ as form of address ] UK humorous Can you sign this form for me, chief?

• 3 most important:

  • Their chief objection to the appointment was that she had no judicial experience.

• 4 highest in position or power:

  • the chief economist/engineer/nurse

  • He is chairman and chief executive of the company.

• 5 the person in charge of a group or organization, or the ruler of a tribe (= a group of families):

  • the chief of police

• 6 biggest or most important; main:

  • Our chief concern right now is getting all these goods out onto the shelves.

  • Coffee and rice are the country's chief exports.

• 7 highest in rank:

  • the chief accountant/security officer

• 8 a person who is in charge of a group or organization:

  • a police/fire chief

  • the chief of police