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boss

/bɒs/
noun★Beginner— person in charge
formalinformal

A person who is in charge of a group, organization, or workplace.

The boss gave us new instructions for the project.

The person in charge provided new instructions for the project.

💡

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the relationship between the speaker and the boss.

informalslang

A person who is highly skilled or dominant in a particular area.

He's the boss at playing chess; no one can beat him.

He is the most skilled person at playing chess; no one can defeat him.

💡

Used informally to describe someone who excels in a specific activity or skill.

Collocations

boss ladya female bossboss mana male bossboss levela difficult challenge or task

Synonyms

managersupervisorleaderchiefhead

Antonyms

employeesubordinateworker

Related Phrases

boss aroundphrasal verb
to give orders or control someone
boss upphrasal verb
to take charge or become more assertive

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'boss' informally with colleagues you are familiar with, but opt for 'manager' or 'supervisor' in formal settings.

⚡Gold Rule

Respect Hierarchy

Always address your boss with respect, regardless of the context.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'bosse,' meaning 'swelling' or 'boss,' originally referring to a protuberance or knob, later extended to mean a person in charge.

📝Usage Notes

The term 'boss' is commonly used in both professional and informal settings. It can refer to a supervisor at work or someone who is highly skilled in a particular area.

Word Breakdown

boss
a person in charge
root
English Dictionary

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