chef
2 synonyms for chef, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A trained, professional cook, especially one who leads a kitchen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use chef
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
head chef
executive chef
celebrity chef
Etymology
Borrowed from French chef ("head, leader"), from Old French chief; the same root gives English "chief" and "captain".
Full origin of chef →Frequently asked questions
What does “chef” mean?
The word “chef” means a trained, professional cook, especially one who leads a kitchen. In plain terms, a professional cook, particularly one in charge of a kitchen.
How do you pronounce “chef”?
“Chef” is pronounced shehf (/ʃɛf/ in IPA).
How do you use “chef” in a sentence?
Here is “chef” used in a sentence: “The chef came out to greet the diners after the meal.”
What part of speech is “chef”?
“Chef” is a noun.
Where does the word “chef” come from?
The word “chef” comes from Old French. Borrowed from French chef ("head, leader"), from Old French chief; the same root gives English "chief" and "captain".
Is “chef” a common word?
“Chef” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a 'chef' and a 'cook'?
A cook is anyone who prepares food, at home or professionally, without any implied training. A chef is a trained professional cook, especially one who leads a kitchen, so all chefs are cooks but not all cooks are chefs.
What is the difference between a chef and a sous chef?
In a professional kitchen the head chef, or chef de cuisine, runs the whole operation. The sous chef is the second-in-command who assists and deputises for the head chef, so 'sous' (French for 'under') marks the rank below the leading chef.
What is the difference between a head chef and an executive chef?
A head chef leads the day-to-day running of one kitchen. An executive chef usually oversees the food operation across several kitchens or outlets, focusing on menus, standards, and management rather than cooking every service, so the executive chef typically sits above the head chef.
