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• director general
  director general

  noun

  the executive head of an organization or of a major subdivision, as a branch or agency, of government.
• director-general
  director-general

  noun

  the head of a large organization such as the CBI or BBC

director general

American  

noun

directors general plural

1. the executive head of an organization or of a major subdivision, as a branch or agency, of government.

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director-general British  

noun

1. the head of a large organization such as the CBI or BBC

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• directors general
  plural

Etymology

Origin of director general

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“We will ensure 100% security of all kinds,” said Abhishek Singh, the director general of the National Testing Agency, which administers the exam.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026

During the inquiry, the director general of the policing watchdog admitted it had "let down" the affected families.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, said: "A Bundibugyo vaccine could help to control this epidemic and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks."

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Moulin served as director general of the French Treasury between 2020 and 2024, overseeing economic policy and public debt.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Perhaps Yi Young-hoon, the director general of the National Museum of Korea, said it best.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler