Boss Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：person in charge (boss)

boss 🔊

/bɒs/

A person at work who is in charge of others, gives them tasks, and makes decisions.

Boss giving instructions to employee in modern office setting

person in charge 🔊

➕

/ˈpɜːrsən ɪn tʃɑːrdʒ/

A boss is a person who supervises and directs employees in a workplace, making decisions and assigning tasks.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Dutch 'baas' meaning master or overseer.

💡 Mnemonic

Boss = Big One Supervising Staff. Or think: 'Boss' rhymes with 'loss' – but the boss wins.

📖 Example

My boss was very supportive when I presented the new marketing idea. 🔊 My boss was very supportive when I presented the new marketing idea.

🔗 Collocations

boss around – to give orders to someone in a domineering way

report to the boss – to provide updates or be accountable to one's supervisor

boss's decision – a final decision made by the person in charge

🔄 Synonyms

manager (n.) – A person responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group of staff.

supervisor (n.) – A person who oversees a process, activity, or group of workers.

director (n.) – A person who is in charge of a department or organization.

🚫 Antonyms

employee (n.) – A person employed for wages or salary, especially at non-executive level.

subordinate (n.) – A person under the authority or control of another within an organization.

🌱 Derivatives

bossy (adj.) – Tending to give orders in a domineering manner.

bossiness (n.) – The quality of being bossy.

bossed (adj.) – Subjected to being ordered around.

📖 Cultural Story

Boss originated from Dutch 'baas' meaning 'master'. It entered American English via Dutch settlers in the 17th century, originally for ship captains, later extended to any workplace supervisor.