A2noun2K

Chef

UK /["/ʃef/"]/US /["/ʃef/"]/

Definition

a person whose job is to cook, especially the most senior person in a restaurant, hotel, etc.

In simple words: A person who cooks professionally.

Examples

  • a new book by a **celebrity chef**
  • the **head/executive chef** at a famous London restaurant
  • She used to work as a chef in a big hotel in Johannesburg.

Usage notes

Use 'chef' to refer to a professional cook, especially in a restaurant setting. It's more formal than 'cook' and is not typically used for home cooks.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Imagine a 'chef' with a tall, white hat cooking in a fancy restaurant kitchen.

Collocations

  • excellent
  • good
  • cordon bleu

Synonyms

  • cooker
  • culinarian
  • kitchen manager
  • head cook
  • gourmet

Antonyms

  • diner
  • customer

Common mistakes

  • Using 'chef' for casual cooking situations.
  • Confusing 'chef' with 'cooker', which refers to the appliance rather than a person.
  • Thinking all cooks are considered chefs, when a chef usually has formal training.