chiefly

1 of 2

adverb

chief·​ly ˈchē-flē 

1

: most importantly : principally, especially

2

: for the most part : mostly, mainly

chiefly

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to a chief

chiefly duties

Synonyms of chiefly

Adverb

• mainly
• mostly
• primarily
• largely
• principally
• predominantly

Examples of chiefly in a Sentence

Adverb

our video collection consists chiefly of comedies, but we have a few horror movies

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

But the accord already faces threats, chiefly from Lebanon, with the fighting there leading to the delay in the start of talks. — Erin Cunningham, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Larson has clashed chiefly with Bronin — rather than his other two opponents — during the campaign. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

Adjective

Many Europeans, chiefly men of French heritage, lived in the region outside those places. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 13 June 2025

As the number of seniors skyrockets, government obligations for the welfare of the elderly, chiefly pensions and health care, have ballooned. — Mark L. Haas, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chiefly

• briefly

Kids Definition

chiefly

adverb

chief·​ly

ˈchē-flē

1

: above all

2

: for the most part