Words / B1

CHAIRM-uh-n/ˈtʃeəmən/

A chairman leads a board or meeting. Modern UK organisations often prefer chair or chairperson. Chairwoman exists but chair is common for any gender. Do not assume chairman is the only acceptable form in an exam discussion of inclusive language — mention chair. The chairman of the board is still frequent in company news.

Meaning

The person in charge of a meeting, company board, or committee (often chair in modern use).

Examples

• “The chairman opened the AGM and introduced the accounts.”
• “The chairman opened the AGM and invited questions on the accounts.”
• “Minutes now say the chair, not the chairman, which is the inclusive style.”

Good to know

chairman of the board / meeting. Inclusive: chair / chairperson. Company news still uses chairman widely.

Near in meaning

chair

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