chief executive

noun

: the president of a country

: the governor of a U.S. state

Full Definition of CHIEF EXECUTIVE

: a principal executive: as

a : the president of a republic

b : the governor of a state

c : ceo

See chief executive defined for English-language learners

See chief executive defined for kids

1793

Next Word in the Dictionary: chief executive officerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: chiefessAll Words Near: chief executive

What made you want to look up chief executive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears