chieftain

1 of 2

noun (1)

chief·​tain ˈchēf-tən How to pronounce chieftain (audio)
: a chief especially of a band, tribe, or clan
chieftainship
ˈchēf-tən-ˌship How to pronounce chieftain (audio)
noun

chieftainship

2 of 2

noun (2)

chief·​tain·​ship ˈchēf-tən-ˌship How to pronounce chieftainship (audio)
plural -s
: chieftaincy

Examples of chieftain in a Sentence

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.
Noun
As new-ish CBS News chieftain Bari Weiss looks poised to rule over CNN too, there are worries in Blue State and MSM circles about the fate of the cable newser — a thorn in Donald Trump‘s paw — if the ParaBros deal closes. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026 For decades, the Orange County branch of the Mexican Mafia was led by Peter Ojeda, a longtime Santa Ana gang chieftain who maintained control over the local streets and jails even after a federal racketeering conviction in 2006 left him in a prison cell three time zones away. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026 Their bearded chieftain goes weak at the knees with Marian piety. — Nat Segnit, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 Hollywood chieftains of yesteryear were never an admirable crew. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chieftain

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English chieftaine, from Anglo-French chevetain, from Late Latin capitaneus chief — more at captain

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chieftain was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

chief point
chieftain
chieftaincy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chieftain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chieftain. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chieftain

noun
chief·​tain ˈchēf-tən How to pronounce chieftain (audio)
: a chief especially of a band, tribe, or clan
chieftaincy
-sē
noun
chieftainship
-ˌship How to pronounce chieftain (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on chieftain

Nglish: Translation of chieftain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chieftain

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