chiefly

1 of 2

adverb

chief·​ly ˈchē-flē How to pronounce chiefly (audio)
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

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
What's next: The startup expects to manufacture 12,000 cells next year, chiefly for defense and aerospace clients, plus industrial tools makers and drone companies. Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 Housing production results from a complex mix of private and public factors, including material and labor costs, and land-use regulations that are chiefly governed at the local and state levels. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Zoom in: The fund will back eight to 12 companies, writing first checks of $10 million to $20 million for chiefly Series B investments, Werner says. Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 17 July 2024 Staff vacancies are chiefly to blame for the declining number of inspections, officials for the labor department say. Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for chiefly 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chiefly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chiefly was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near chiefly

Cite this Entry

“Chiefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiefly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

chiefly

adverb
chief·​ly
ˈchē-flē
1
: above all
2
: for the most part

More from Merriam-Webster on chiefly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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