chief executive

noun

: a principal executive: such as
a
: the president of a republic
b
: the governor of a state
c
: ceo

Examples of chief executive in a Sentence

The President is the chief executive of the U.S.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump made his first visit to Chicago as the nation’s chief executive. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Later in 2025, Chris Turner, previously the company’s chief financial and franchise officer, succeeded David Gibbs as chief executive officer on October 1. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026 Lawrence’s official title is founder and Aganovic is chief executive officer. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 Transnet Freight Rail chief executive Russell Baatjies said the operation was a learning exercise that would help improve South Africa's capability to transport minerals and other goods over long distances. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chief executive

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chief executive was in 1793

Rhymes for chief executive

See All Rhymes for chief executive

Browse Nearby Words

chiefess
chief executive
chief executive officer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chief executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chief%20executive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chief executive

noun
: a principal executive: as
a
: the president of a republic
b
: the governor of a state
c
: ceo
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