superintendent

1 of 2

noun

su·​per·​in·​ten·​dent ˌsü-p(ə-)rin-ˈten-dənt 

ˌsü-pərn-

: one who has executive oversight and charge

superintendent

2 of 2

adjective

: having executive oversight and charge of something : of, relating to, or being a superintendent

superintendent [=supervising] powers

a superintendent officer

The wedding will take place three days after our return to England, by special license, at the office of the district superintendent registrar, in the presence of my solicitor and his clerk, who, like his clients, will be in ordinary walking dress.

—George Bernard Shaw

Synonyms

Noun

• administrant
• administrator
• archon
• director
• exec
• executive
• manager
• supervisor

Examples of superintendent in a Sentence

Noun

the office of the superintendent of parks issues camping permits

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a letter sent to football players and their families, Kelly Lara, an assistant district superintendent, said two incidents occurred involving racist speech made toward, and about, a Black teammate. —Krissy Waite, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

The question asks whether to remove the state superintendent of public instruction from the list of top state officials who would step into the governor’s role under extreme circumstances. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024

Adjective

The superintendent race will be a close one, and a new leader is guaranteed. —Alexandria Sands, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Only one current member, Linda Duncan, has been part of the superintendent selection process in the past. —Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Medieval Latin superintendent-, superintendens, from Late Latin, present participle of superintendere

First Known Use

Noun

1554, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1566, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing superintendent

• sidewalk superintendent

Kids Definition

superintendent

noun

su·​per·​in·​ten·​dent ˌsü-p(ə-)rin-ˈten-dənt 

ˌsü-pərn-

: a person who directs, manages, or maintains something

Legal Definition

superintendent

noun

su·​per·​in·​ten·​dent

: one who has the oversight and charge of a place, institution, department, organization, or operation

specifically : the executive head of a police department