foreman

noun

fore·​man ˈfȯr-mən 

: a first or chief person: such as

a

: a member of a jury who acts as chairman and spokesman

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

• boss
• boss man
• captain
• chief
• head
• headman
• helmsman
• honcho
• jefe
• kingpin
• leader
• master
• taskmaster

Examples of foreman in a Sentence

asked the shift foreman if he could take a break

Recent Examples on the Web

Did the foreman just admit the jury discussed the case prior to deliberations? —Maureen Maher, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2025

The Lodge, the Villa, and Antelope Ridge were used as guest accommodations that provide a variety of amenities like a game room, a wet bar, and an indoor jacuzzi, while ranch staff shacked up at the two foremen’s houses on the north and south ends of the ranch. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025

The foreman noted that the prosecution’s use of songs had troubled him. —Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

After the verdicts, as Tom Martens and Molly Corbett were led off to prison, the jury foreman described his struggle. —Maureen Maher, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2025

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