governor general

Or gover·nor-gener·al

noun

plural

governors general, governor generals 

1. a governor who is chief over subordinate or deputy governors.

2. governor.

governor general

noun

1. the representative of the Crown in a dominion of the Commonwealth or a British colony; vicegerent

2. a governor with jurisdiction or precedence over other governors

Other Word Forms

• governor-generalship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of governor general¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

The King's decision to open parliament - a role traditionally left to the governor general, who is the monarch's top representative in Canada - is seen as a symbolic show of support for the commonwealth country.

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Tuesday's address would traditionally be given by the governor general, who is the monarch's top representative in Canada.

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The King and Queen later partook in a tree planting ceremony at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Canada's governor general.

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The British monarch is still formally the head of state, but their duties are often carried out by their Canadian representative, called the governor general.

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Mel Cappe, a former Canadian minister and senior civil servant, has been involved in preparing such speeches from the throne, usually delivered by a governor general.

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