foreman

noun

fore·​man ˈfȯr-mən 

: a first or chief person: such as

a

: a member of a jury who acts as leader and spokesperson for the jury

b(1)

: a chief and often specially trained worker who works with and usually leads a gang or crew

(2)

: a person in charge of a group of workers, a particular operation, or a section of a plant

foremanship

ˈfȯr-mən-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of foreman

• boss
• leader
• manager
• captain
• chief
• master
• commander

Examples of foreman in a Sentence

asked the shift foreman if he could take a break

Recent Examples on the Web

His hard work was recognized, eventually leading to his head foreman gig working on luxury homes in the Hollywood Hills. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Magaña shows him how to maneuver the blade around a thick trunk, as the foreman kicks it loose. —Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026

Shop foreman Tom Johnson purchased 11 remaining body/chassis units, selling the final example as late as 1971. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2026

The foreman sat in the middle of the canoe, both hands on the bench. —Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreman

• longshoreman
• longshoremen
• metformin
• corpsman
• foremen
• mormon
• warman

Kids Definition

foreman

noun

fore·​man ˈfōr-mən 

ˈfȯr-

1

: a member of a jury who is the leader

2

: a person in charge of a group of workers

Legal Definition

foreman

noun

fore·​man

plural foremen

: a male or female member of a jury who acts as the leader and speaks for the jury