chief chief /ˈtʃiːf/

adjective

1. () Most important element  ( master , primary , chief , main , principal )
   most important element
    The chief aim of living
   the chief aim of living
    The main doors were of solid glass
   the main doors were of solid glass
    The principal rivers of America
   the principal rivers of America
    The principal example
   the principal example
    Policemen were primary targets
   policemen were primary targets
    The master bedroom
   the master bedroom
    A master switch
   a master switch
   

noun

1. () A person who is in charge  ( top dog [Informal] , chief , head )
   a person who is in charge
    The head of the whole operation
   the head of the whole operation
   
2. () A person who exercises control over workers  ( gaffer [Informal, British] , honcho [Informal, N. American] , chief , boss , foreman )
   a person who exercises control over workers
    If you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman
   if you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman
   
3. The head of a tribe or clan  ( chief , chieftain , headman , tribal chief )
   the head of a tribe or clan