chieftain

noun

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

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.
The Met’s chieftain has had prior issues with free expression in the cultural press. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 The rare, valuable objects uncovered from the site point to the power and influence the chieftain had. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 4 Dec. 2024 The chieftains of the regime seem to care more about their freedom to travel and hold property around the world than about the hardships of ordinary Venezuelans. Moisés Naím, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2021 The Numidian chieftain who seemingly raised Lucius? Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chieftain 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near chieftain

Cite this Entry

“Chieftain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chieftain. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on chieftain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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