boss
bos
Boss (noun) means a person in charge of others at work, such as a manager, supervisor, or business owner. Example: “She asked her boss for the day off to attend the wedding.”
noun
1
A person in charge of others at work, such as a manager, supervisor, or business owner.
"She asked her boss for the day off to attend the wedding."
"The new boss reorganized the whole department within a month."
"My boss is happy for us to work from home on Fridays."
2
In video games, a particularly difficult enemy that must be defeated to advance, often appearing at the end of a level.
"It took him five tries to beat the final boss."
"The boss at the end of this level has three separate health bars."
"You must learn the pattern of its attacks before you can defeat the boss."
3
A rounded lump or raised knob on a surface, such as a decorative stud or a natural rock outcrop.
"The ceiling was carved with ornamental bosses where the ribs met."
"The old wooden door had an iron boss in the middle of each panel."
"Walkers rested on a smooth boss of rock halfway up the hillside."
verb
1
To order someone around, especially repeatedly and without much regard for their opinion.
"Stop bossing your little brother around and let him choose the film."
"She hates it when her older cousin bosses everyone around at parties."
"Don't boss me about in my own kitchen!"
adj
1
(informal) Excellent; first-rate.
"That was a boss meal, thanks for cooking."
"Your new bike looks absolutely boss, mate."
"We had a boss time at the seaside yesterday."
How to use boss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person who is in charge — at work, in a game, or in general — or, as a verb, to order people around.
Common mistake
As a verb, "boss someone around" implies unwanted, repeated bossiness — not just giving normal instructions as a manager.
Common pairings
boss around
be your own boss
final boss
boss someone about
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Word forms
- Plural
- bosses
- Third person singular
- bosses
- Past tense
- bossed
- Comparative
- bosser
- Superlative
- bossest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She asked her _____ for the day off to attend the wedding.
Etymology
From Dutch baas ("master"), originally a respectful term for an older relative; it took on its modern sense of "person in charge" in colonial New Amsterdam (now New York).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for boss
See all rhymes for boss →Frequently asked questions
What does “boss” mean?
The word “boss” means a person in charge of others at work, such as a manager, supervisor, or business owner. In plain terms, the person who is in charge — at work, in a game, or in general — or, as a verb, to order people around.
How do you pronounce “boss”?
“Boss” is pronounced bos (/bɔs/ in IPA).
How do you use “boss” in a sentence?
Here is “boss” used in a sentence: “She asked her boss for the day off to attend the wedding.”
What is another word for “boss”?
Words with a similar meaning to “boss” include administrator, chief, director, commander, governor and jefe.
What is the opposite of “boss”?
The opposite of “boss” — its antonyms — are laborer, subordinate and worker.
What part of speech is “boss”?
Depending on how it is used, “boss” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “boss” come from?
The word “boss” comes from Dutch. From Dutch baas ("master"), originally a respectful term for an older relative; it took on its modern sense of "person in charge" in colonial New Amsterdam (now New York).
Is “boss” a common word?
“Boss” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a boss and a leader?
A boss holds authority through position and directs people because the role gives them the right to. A leader earns influence and inspires others to follow willingly, whatever their title. The two can overlap, but a good boss leads rather than simply commands — guiding and supporting instead of only issuing orders.
What is the difference between a boss and a manager?
Boss is an informal, general word for anyone in charge of you at work. Manager is a specific job title for someone formally responsible for a team, department, or resources. Your manager is your boss, but 'boss' can also mean a supervisor, business owner, or any higher-up, whether or not they manage.
Is 'boss' a formal word?
No, boss is informal and conversational. It is fine in everyday speech — 'I'll ask my boss' — but in formal or written contexts, such as a CV or official document, words like manager, supervisor, line manager, or employer are preferred. Boss is friendly and general rather than a precise job title.
What makes a good boss?
A good boss communicates clearly, treats people fairly, and sets expectations that are easy to understand. They delegate sensibly, give credit and constructive feedback, support their team's growth, and stay calm under pressure. Above all, they earn respect through consistency and trust rather than relying only on the authority of the role.
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