chancellor

noun

chan·​cel·​lor ˈchan(t)-s(ə-)lər How to pronounce chancellor (audio)
1
a
: the secretary of a nobleman, prince, or king
b
: the lord chancellor of Great Britain
c
British : the chief secretary of an embassy
d
: a Roman Catholic priest heading the office in which diocesan business is transacted and recorded
2
a
: the titular head of a British university
b(1)
: a university president
(2)
: the chief executive officer in some state systems of higher education
3
a
: a lay legal officer or adviser of an Anglican diocese
b
: a judge in a court of chancery or equity in various states of the U.S.
4
: the chief minister of state in some European countries
chancellorship noun

Examples of chancellor in a Sentence

the new chancellor of the university
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 new phase of Trump’s tariff agenda isn’t stopping there: the tariffs are expected to be a major topic in upcoming discussion with two foreign leaders, Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who he is set to have a phone call with. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Germany’s new chancellor announced $52 billion in corporate tax breaks in an attempt to revive the country’s flagging economy. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 4 June 2025 Thirteen years later, Bruce is still in the role, having served through four athletic directors, three chancellors, a mix of on- and off-the-field triumphs, and a fair share of athletic department controversies. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025 Merz had been very strong on ensuring Ukraine received Taurus during the election campaign against Olaf Scholz, the former chancellor, of the Social Democrats. Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for chancellor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chanceler, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin cancellarius doorkeeper, secretary, from cancellus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of chancellor was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chancellor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chancellor. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

chancellor

noun
chan·​cel·​lor ˈchan(t)-s(ə-)lər How to pronounce chancellor (audio)
1
: the chief minister of state in some European countries
2
: the head of a university

Legal Definition

chancellor

noun
chan·​cel·​lor ˈchan-sə-lər How to pronounce chancellor (audio)
1
: the head of a chancery: as
a
: the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain
b
: a judge in a court of equity in various states
2
a
: a university president
b
: the chief executive officer in some state systems of higher education
3
: the chief minister of state in some European countries (as Germany)
Etymology

Old French chancelier royal secretary, from Late Latin cancellarius doorkeeper, clerk, from Latin cancellus latticework barrier

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