boss

Definition

A person who oversees and directs the work of others; a supervisor.

Etymology

From Dutch baas, from Middle Dutch baes (“master of a household, friend”), from Old Dutch *baso (“uncle, kinsman”), from Proto-West Germanic *baswō, from Proto-Germanic *baswô (“uncle”), perhaps from Proto-Germanic *ba-, *bō- (“father, older male relative”), source also of the English terms babe, boy, bub, bully. Cognate with Middle Low German bās (“supervisor, foreman”), Old Frisian bas (“master”), hence Saterland Frisian Boas (“boss”), Old High German basa (“father's sister, cousin”), hence German Base (“aunt, cousin”). Originally a term of respect used to address an older relative. Later, in New Amsterdam, it began to mean a person in charge who is not a master. The video game sense is borrowed from Japanese ボス (bosu), in turn from English boss.

Example Sentences

• "The boss of the company was going to Spain for work."
• "February 18, 2018, Dawn Pine, Strategies for Dealing with a Bad Boss we have some vindictive people as bosses, and you don’t want to be the target of their wrath."
• "Chat turned to whisper when the boss entered the conference room."

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