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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• lieutenant governorship noun

Etymology

Origin of lieutenant governor

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Fairfax, the second black person elected to statewide office in Virginia, served as lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

In one of them, a spot attacking Harman, Checchi included a photo of the lieutenant governor — and not a bad-looking one at that.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

As lieutenant governor, Mr. Husted played a role in securing the Ohio One deal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

The party has elected candidates to the state legislature, city councils and even a few statewide offices, including that of lieutenant governor.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 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