WordLens

chair

1 of 2noun
/tʃɛr/
Forms:chairs
1

furniture with a back and often four legs that we can use for sitting

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  • I placed my bag on the empty chair next to me.
  • I pulled up a chair to join the conversation.
  • I sat on the comfortable chair while reading a book.
  • Our dining table has four chairs around it.
  • The classroom has rows of chairs for students.
2

the person who leads or presides over meetings or activities of a committee, board, or organization

  • The chair called the meeting to order.
  • She was elected chair of the academic council.
  • The chair summarized the board's decision.
  • He served as chair for two consecutive terms.
  • The committee's chair coordinated the discussion topics.
3

the position that a university professor has

C1

A chair is a senior academic position held by a university professor who leads a specific department, research area, or academic program. This role involves administrative responsibilities, such as overseeing faculty, managing departmental activities, and contributing to strategic planning within the institution. A chair is also often involved in teaching, mentoring, and conducting research. The position signifies a high level of expertise, leadership, and recognition within their academic field.

  • Dr. Smith was appointed chair of the English department after 20 years of distinguished teaching and research.
  • The new chair of the computer science department introduced several innovative programs to attract more students.
  • He has held the chair of medieval history for over a decade, contributing significantly to the field through his publications.
  • The university is currently seeking a new chair for the business school to lead its strategic initiatives and academic programs.
  • She was elected to the chair of the History Department after demonstrating exceptional leadership skills.
Synonyms:
4

a device used for execution by means of electric current

  • The prisoner was sentenced to die in the electric chair.
  • The use of the chair has been banned in several states.
  • He designed the new model of the electric chair in the 20th century.
  • The chair was regarded as a symbol of capital punishment.
  • Reporters covered the history of executions by chair.
5

a designated seat or position assigned to a specific musician within an orchestra

  • She earned first chair in the violin section.
  • He lost his principal chair after the auditions.
  • The conductor praised the new cellist in the second chair.
  • Competition for the first chair was intense.
  • The clarinet player held the top chair for three seasons.