English · Word Candidate

superintendent

/ˌsjuːpəɹɪnˈtɛndənt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: superintendents

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A person who is authorized to supervise, direct or administer something.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A police officer rank, positioned above chief inspector, and below chief superintendent.

Noun

Examples

“No, don't,” replied the superintendent; “in fact, I'd rather you made yourself conspicuous elsewhere. Go down to the landing stage and cross to New Brighton or Wallasey—doesn't matter which—and come back. No doubt you will be seen, and reported to have gone across.”

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Overseeing; superintending.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “superintendent” mean?

A person who is authorized to supervise, direct or administer something.

Is “superintendent” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.