governorship

American  

[guhv-er-ner-ship, -uh-ner-] / ˈgʌv ər nərˌʃɪp, -ə nər- /

noun

1. the duties, term in office, etc., of a governor.

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governorship British  

/ ˈɡʌvənəˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the office, jurisdiction, or term of a governor

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• subgovernorship
  noun

Etymology

Origin of governorship

First recorded in 1635–45; governor + -ship

Example Sentences

In truth, the Hollywood stars elevated to the governorship, Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, have been the exception — spaced nearly four decades apart — and far from the norm.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Predictably, that result has been seized upon as evidence of a collapsing governorship.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Mr. López Hernández left the governorship early to serve as Mr. López Obrador’s security minister from 2021-23.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Jerome Powell’s term as chair expires May 15, but his governorship extends until Jan. 31, 2028, allowing him to potentially remain on the board.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Byrd Machine politician J. Lindsay Almond assumed the governorship and the party line in January 1958.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly