a professionally trained cook who is in charge of preparing food, often leading a restaurant or hotel kitchen
The chef carefully plated the dessert before sending it out to the diners.
The hotel hired a renowned chef to redesign their menu.
✦ Borrowed into English in the early 19th century from French “chef (de cuisine)”, literally “head (of the kitchen)”.
informally, anyone who is very good at cooking, especially in a home or casual setting
Dad thinks he is a real chef after taking one weekend cooking class.
Everyone says Maria is the family chef because her holiday dinners are legendary.
✦ Same origin as the professional sense, but broadened in colloquial English to anyone who cooks well.
