executive chef

noun

plural executive chefs
: the head chef of a professional kitchen or of a group of professional kitchens
the restaurant's executive chef and owner
His résumé was filled with Connecticut restaurants …; at Le Coq Hardi Restaurant in Stamford, he was, variously, … first cook, sous chef, and finally executive chef.Michael Ruhlman
Bala Kumanan, a French-trained chef, oversees the quality of the food … as the executive chef of the high-end restaurants that span from Vancouver to Ottawa.John French
compare chef de cuisine

Examples of executive chef in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Sustainability is a huge focus here, and executive chef Eliano Crespi visited 30 different British farms to select his suppliers. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026 In the Elimination Challenge, James Beard Award finalist Collier — who owns Uptown Yolk with his wife, Subrina, and serves as executive chef at Fine & Fettle — crafted a variety of his trademark Southern side dishes for the contestants to turn into main dishes. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026 Cbar’s menu has also taken a big leap forward with the hiring of executive chef Jarle Saupstad, who came on board in December. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 History buffs will revel in the dozens UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited, while foodies can check out the new onboard Epicurean Enrichment Studio, created by executive chef Kathryn Kelly as a chance to connect to the local cultures through cuisine. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive chef

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executive chef was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Executive chef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20chef. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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