gubernatorial
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What does gubernatorial mean? Gubernatorial is an adjective used to refer to things related to a state governor in the United States. The word governor can mean different things in different places, but gubernatorial is primarily used in the U. S., where a governor is the executive head of a state. Gubernatorial is the adjective form of governor in the same way that presidential is the adjective form of president. And it’s used in all the same ways, especially in phrases like gubernatorial duties, gubernatorial debate, and gubernatorial race. Example: It might not be as exciting as the presidential debate, but it’s still important to watch the gubernatorial debate.
Etymology
Origin of gubernatorial
1725–35, < Latin gubernātōr- (stem of gubernātor ) steersman, governor + -ial
Explanation
Anything gubernatorial has to go with governors, the same way that anything "presidential" has to do with presidents. A governor is the elected leader of a state in America, and anything gubernatorial has to do with governors and their governing. There are gubernatorial debates and gubernatorial elections. If elected, the governor has many gubernatorial duties to carry out in the gubernatorial mansion. And if a candidate acts out of line, you could say "That's not very gubernatorial" — meaning they’re not acting like a governor should.
Vocabulary lists containing gubernatorial
One Nation, Under Vocabulary: Political Parlance
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Three Keys
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Talking About the Election Results? Ten Words from Today's News Can Help
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Democrats headed here in coming days include gubernatorial candidates Amy Acton of Ohio, Deb Haaland of New Mexico and Gina Hinojosa of Texas.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026
Over the course of the three gubernatorial races, three attorney general races, and the single state Supreme Court election Abbott has run in, he’s never won by less than 11 points.
From Slate ● Sep. 28, 2026
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, the major movie theater chains and some Hollywood labor unions urged the parties to resolve their issues.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
There are more than a dozen gubernatorial contests with at least some degree of competition, including close races in Ohio, Georgia and Wisconsin.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
King would be stumping throughout the Tarheel State for his longtime friend, black gubernatorial candidate Dr. Reginald Hawkins.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
