noun
governor
GUHV-er-ner/ˈɡʌvərnər/
An official entrusted with directing and regulating a body.
The governor signs a document in her office with aides nearby.
Etymology
Gubernator originally named a steersman or pilot, then a person who directs or rules. Governor also developed the sense of a provincial head, connecting that directing role with the modern head of a U.S. state.
In context
Paterson was elected lieutenant Governor alongside Elliot Spitzer as Governor of New York State on March 17 2008. Eliot Spitzer resigned from being governor, making Paterson governor.
More examples
- The governor declares a state of emergency after the storm.
- Voters elect a new governor in November.
- The museum's governors approve its annual budget.
Forms
governor · governors
govern verb — To direct or control a group.
gubernatorial adjective — Relating to a governor or governorship.
Similar words
- administrator
- Emphasizes managing operations rather than holding a particular governing office.
- leader
- Broader term that does not require an official governing position.