foreman
FAW-muhn
Foreman (noun) means a person who supervises a group of workers, especially on a construction site or in a factory. Example: “The foreman checked the scaffolding before work began.”
noun
1
A person who supervises a group of workers, especially on a construction site or in a factory.
"The foreman checked the scaffolding before work began."
2
The member of a jury chosen to lead discussions and announce the verdict.
"The foreman stood and read the jury's verdict aloud."
How to use foreman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person in charge of a work crew, or the leader of a jury.
Common pairings
jury foreman
site foreman
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like foreman.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- foremen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ checked the scaffolding before work began.
Etymology
From Middle English foremon, equivalent to fore- + man.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for foreman
See all rhymes for foreman →Frequently asked questions
What does “foreman” mean?
The word “foreman” means a person who supervises a group of workers, especially on a construction site or in a factory. In plain terms, the person in charge of a work crew, or the leader of a jury.
How do you pronounce “foreman”?
“Foreman” is pronounced FAW-muhn (/ˈfɔː(ɹ).mən/ in IPA).
How do you use “foreman” in a sentence?
Here is “foreman” used in a sentence: “The foreman checked the scaffolding before work began.”
What part of speech is “foreman”?
“Foreman” is a noun.
Where does the word “foreman” come from?
The word “foreman” comes from Middle English. From Middle English foremon, equivalent to fore- + man.
Is “foreman” a common word?
“Foreman” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “foreman” have?
“Foreman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who supervises a group of workers, especially on a construction site or in a factory.
What is the difference between a foreman and a supervisor?
A foreman specifically supervises a group of workers, especially on a construction site or in a factory, while supervisor is a broader term that can apply to any workplace or industry. Foreman carries a more hands-on, trade-specific connotation tied to manual labor settings.
What does a jury foreman do?
A jury foreman is the member of a jury chosen to lead discussions during deliberation and to announce the verdict in court. This role is about organizing the jury's process rather than making the final decision alone.
Is foreman a gender-neutral term?
Foreman is traditionally masculine in form, and some workplaces now use gender-neutral alternatives such as 'supervisor' or 'crew leader' to describe the same role. However, foreman is still widely used regardless of the supervisor's gender in many industries.
