1. plural of dean; administrators in charge of academic divisions at colleges or universities
2. plural of dean; senior clergy members in charge of cathedral chapters
Usage: religious

Examples

• The deans met to discuss the new curriculum requirements.
• All academic deans must approve the budget proposal.
• The university has five deans overseeing different schools.
• The deans of the cathedral gathered for the ceremony.
• Student complaints are typically handled by the deans.
• The deans announced changes to graduation requirements.