the British cabinet minister responsible for finance
"The Chancellor announced new measures to reduce inflation in today's budget speech."
the person who is head of government (in several countries)
"After the election, the new chancellor took office as the head of government to lead the country's administration."
the honorary or titular head of a university
"The chancellor opened the ceremony by addressing the graduating class as the ceremonial head of the university."
A senior secretary or official with administrative or legal duties, sometimes in charge of some area of government such as finance or justice.
"After serving as chancellor, he went on to become the president of Germany."
An honorific for the head of state of a republic in Germany.
In plain English: A chancellor is an official who leads a university or serves as a high-ranking government leader depending on where they live.
"The chancellor announced new plans to reduce taxes during today's press conference."
Usage: In the UK and Germany, chancellor serves as the head of government equivalent to a prime minister elsewhere. In other contexts like universities or specific US states, it refers to an administrator who oversees academic affairs rather than holding executive power.
From Anglo-Norman or Middle English chaunceler, chanceler, canceler ("chief administrative or executive officer of a ruler; chancellor, secretary; private secretary, scribe; Lord Chancellor of England; officer of the ruler's exchequer; a high administrative or executive officer (for example, a deputy or representative of a bishop; the head of a university)"), from Old French cancelier, chancelier ("chancellor"), from Late Latin cancellārius ("secretary; doorkeeper, porter; usher of a court of la..."