lieutenant governor

American  

noun

1. a state officer next in rank to a governor, who takes the governor's place in case of the latter's absence, disability, or death.

2. British. a deputy governor.

3. the executive officer of a Canadian province appointed by the governor general.

---

lieutenant governor British  

noun

1. a deputy governor

2. (in the US) an elected official who acts as deputy to a state governor and succeeds him if he dies

3. lieutenant-governor. (in Canada) the representative of the Crown in a province: appointed by the federal government acting for the Crown

---

Other Word Forms

• lieutenant governorship
  noun

---

Etymology

Origin of lieutenant governor

First recorded in 1585–95

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lieutenant governor

The ballot measure also would make a major change to gubernatorial recall elections by automatically designating the lieutenant governor as the replacement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Caldwell, a United Methodist pastor, served as president of Centenary University before Sherrill chose him for the position of lieutenant governor.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

Interim charges are lists of issues that the lieutenant governor and speaker give to their respective chamber’s committees to study during the period between legislative sessions.

From Salon ● Jul. 31, 2026

Kansas established its current system following a scandal in 1956 involving self-dealing by the governor, lieutenant governor, and chief justice of the state Supreme Court.

From Slate ● Jul. 8, 2026

On the winner’s stand, which was swathed in a huge American flag and crammed with suited dignitaries, Marcela smiled demurely for the lieutenant governor, who extended a huge silver loving cup.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---