chef

[ shef ]

noun

1. the chief cook, especially in a restaurant or hotel, usually responsible for planning menus, ordering foodstuffs, overseeing food preparation, and supervising the kitchen staff.
2. any cook.

chef

/ ʃɛf /

noun

1. a cook, esp the principal cook in a restaurant

Word History and Origins

Origin of chef¹

From French, dating back to 1835–45; chief

Word History and Origins

Origin of chef¹

C19: from French, from Old French chief head, chief

Example Sentences

Even though I’m a pastry chef, the truth is that any kind of meticulous frosting job is enough to make me run from a recipe.

From Eater

On the other hand, a chef with any ambition wants to put his own stamp on a place.

From Washington Post

The inn’s centerpiece restaurant focuses on “coastal cuisine that’s a reflection of our location,” says Truman Jones, executive chef and director of food and beverage.

From Washington Post

With chefs putting vegetables at the center of the plate, the popularity of toasts in general, and our collective love of melted cheese, it just makes sense.

From Washington Post

While I’d of course heard of chefs and home cooks alike fawning over the spring vegetable, I’d never really understood its appeal.

From Washington Post

After the show, Executive Chef Michael Franey explained the process by which the theater selects its menu.

From The Daily Beast

In Japan, the master blender is the most important person in the production process and is as revered as a chef.

From The Daily Beast

I innocently wrote a letter home to my mother telling her how great the French chef was in the headquarters canteen.

From The Daily Beast

I was picked up by a young chef and his wife, who were amused to find a lost English person dressed in a traditional outfit.

From The Daily Beast

The ex-chef, accused by Maureen McDonnell of “embezzling” food from the mansion, went to the FBI, triggering its investigation.

From The Daily Beast

As usual the dinner was recherché, for the Pandemonium chef enjoyed a world-wide reputation.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the quiet chef lieu of the Allier, and was once the capital of the Bourbonnais.

From Project Gutenberg

She cultivated a witty habit of speech, the society of cabinet ministers, and her chef was a celebrity.

From Project Gutenberg

Willis looked upon this organ as his chef d' oeuvre, saying "There is nothing like it in the whole world!"

From Project Gutenberg

It's got everything, solar shower, automatic chef, 'copter landing—if we ever get a 'copter.

From Project Gutenberg