governor
noun
gov·er·nor
ˈgə-vᵊn-ər 
also ˈgə-vər-nər
1
: one that governs: such as
a
: one that exercises authority especially over an area or group
b
: an official elected or appointed to act as ruler, chief executive, or nominal head of a political unit
d
: the managing director and usually the principal officer of an institution or organization
e
: a member of a group that directs or controls an institution or society
2
: tutor
4
a
: an attachment to a machine (such as a gasoline engine) for automatic control or limitation of speed
b
: a device giving automatic control (as of pressure or temperature)
Examples of governor in a Sentence
the governor of the state of Florida
He was the chairman of the board of governors at the school.
the governor of the Bank of England
Wait here while I get the governor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hovde also weighed a race against Baldwin in 2018 but backed off, and briefly considered a run for governor in 2022.
—
Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
The bill was transmitted to the governor from the Legislature on Thursday.
—The Arizona Republic, 14 Apr. 2024
In addition to overturning McDonnell’s conviction in 2016, the court tossed the convictions of political allies to former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, saying the federal government went too far in prosecuting them for political retaliation.
—Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
The last attempt was an embarrassing bust that further empowered the governor and benefited no one except for consultants.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 12 Apr. 2024
The division came to a head in the 2022 primary for governor, when Trump and his allies lined up enthusiastically behind Kari Lake, while traditional conservatives and the business establishment backed her rival.
—Steve Peoples, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024
The plan also raises the maximum salary range for all pay grades by 10% and authorizes new incentives for future recruits and current employees who go above and beyond, either through a lump sum payment or through extra hours of paid leave, according to the governor.
—Michael R. Wickline, arkansasonline.com, 11 Apr. 2024
The Democratic governor’s signature was expected, after the Legislature unanimously passed the legislation, SB 430.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2024
And in the first independent poll of the governor's race, Hill polls next-to-last.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Apr. 2024
Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
The bill was transmitted to the governor from the Legislature on Thursday.
—The Arizona Republic, 14 Apr. 2024
In addition to overturning McDonnell’s conviction in 2016, the court tossed the convictions of political allies to former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, saying the federal government went too far in prosecuting them for political retaliation.
—Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
The last attempt was an embarrassing bust that further empowered the governor and benefited no one except for consultants.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 12 Apr. 2024
The division came to a head in the 2022 primary for governor, when Trump and his allies lined up enthusiastically behind Kari Lake, while traditional conservatives and the business establishment backed her rival.
—Steve Peoples, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024
The plan also raises the maximum salary range for all pay grades by 10% and authorizes new incentives for future recruits and current employees who go above and beyond, either through a lump sum payment or through extra hours of paid leave, according to the governor.
—Michael R. Wickline, arkansasonline.com, 11 Apr. 2024
The Democratic governor’s signature was expected, after the Legislature unanimously passed the legislation, SB 430.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2024
And in the first independent poll of the governor's race, Hill polls next-to-last.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'governor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near governor
Cite this Entry
“Governor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/governor. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
governor
noun
gov·er·nor
ˈgəv(-ə)-nər
also ˈgəv-ər-nər
1
: one that governs
especially
: an official elected or appointed to act as ruler, chief executive, or head of a political unit (as a colony, state, or province)
2
: an attachment to a machine for automatic control of speed
governorship
noun
-ˌship
Legal Definition
governor
noun
gov·er·nor
ˈgə-vər-nər
: one that governs: as
a
: one that exercises authority especially over an area or group
b
: an official elected or appointed to act as ruler, chief executive, or nominal head of a political unit
specifically
: the chief executive of a U.S. state
c
: the managing director and usually the principal officer of an institution or organization
d
: a member of a group that controls or directs an institution
the Federal Reserve System's Board of Governors
governorship
noun
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