foreman

noun

fore·​man ˈfȯr-mən How to pronounce foreman (audio)
: 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 noun

Examples of foreman in a Sentence

asked the shift foreman if he could take a break
Recent Examples on the Web Jeff Calhoun, foreman of the jury that convicted Cantu in 2001, told the Texas Tribune that the Boettchers’ testimony was the most impactful to the jury. María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The first two were based on real people — MacLennan was a foreman for José Menéndez, the powerful Chilean landowner who ordered the murderous expedition—while Bill represents the men that the Menéndez family, which remains wealthy today, brought in from abroad to work for them. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2024 The jury foreman said in court they were split 7-5, but not which way the majority was leaning. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024 Hauser, who stars on Yellowstone as Rip Wheeler, ranch foreman and right-hand man to Kevin Costner's John Dutton, launched his company in October. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2023 And, as at a factory, a foreman would lead the project — a manager chosen by the Department of Agriculture. Amity Shlaes, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024 The plumbing foreman, Frank Colon, oversaw the Fort Worth project and other Northland projects in the Metroplex, according to Chanthachone and others. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2024 In the court filing, the grand jury foreman said the jury met for two days and examined seven witnesses regarding Watts' miscarriage before issuing their decision. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2024 The foreman refused, instead giving him the equivalent of ibuprofen and explaining that his contract had not ended. Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foreman.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreman was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near foreman

Cite this Entry

“Foreman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreman. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

foreman

noun
fore·​man ˈfōr-mən How to pronounce foreman (audio)
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

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