commissioner

A senior official who leads a government department or a police force.

• The police commissioner answered questions.
• She was appointed commissioner of the city’s transport department.
• The commissioner ordered a review of police training.

Common phrases: police commissioner, tax commissioner, city commissioner

A member of an official group chosen to investigate something or make decisions.

• Each commissioner read the report.
• The commissioners voted to hold another hearing.
• She served as a commissioner on the public inquiry.

Common phrases: appointed commissioner, commissioner on something, commissioner’s report

Someone officially chosen to carry out a particular duty.

• A commissioner was appointed to investigate.
• The king sent a commissioner to negotiate the treaty.
• Each commissioner received written instructions for the task.

Similar words: representative, delegate, envoy

Common phrases: special commissioner, royal commissioner, appoint a commissioner