Meaning & use

dean

noun·Academic

A senior official in a university or college who oversees a school, faculty, or student affairs.

See it in a sentence

The dean of the engineering school announced a new scholarship program.

Students met with the dean to discuss changes to the graduation requirements.

A note on using this word

Dean also names a senior clergy member in charge of a cathedral, a distinct sense from the academic role.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. noun

A senior clergyman who presides over the chapter of a cathedral or collegiate church.

The dean led the service in the absence of the bishop.

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