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noun

superintendent

syoo-puh-rihn-TEHN-duhnt
noun
1
A person who supervises or manages an organisation, department, or building.
"The school superintendent announced new budget cuts."
"The building superintendent fixed the leaking pipe."
2
A senior police rank, above chief inspector and below chief superintendent (in UK-style forces).
"Detective Superintendent Hayes led the investigation."

How to Use Superintendent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone in charge of overseeing an organisation, school district, building, or police unit.

UK vs US

In the US, "superintendent" often refers to the head of a school district; in the UK it is more commonly a police rank.

Word Forms

superintendents plural

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Fill the Gap

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The school _____ announced new budget cuts.

Etymology

From Ecclesiastical Latin superintendens, itself modelled on Greek episkopos — the same root that eventually gives English "bishop".

Related Words

Rhymes for superintendent

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial