president pro tempore

American  

Or president pro tem

noun

U.S. Government.

1. a senator, usually a senior member of the majority party, who is chosen to preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president.

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Example Sentences

Mr. Johnson was relying on the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which places Mr. Grassley, 92 and the Senate’s president pro tempore, third in line to the presidency.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

The president pro tempore of the Senate, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, is 91, and third in line for succession to the presidency.

From Salon • Aug. 9, 2025

Women, for the first time in the Legislature, are serving as president pro tempore in the Senate and as speaker of the House.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2023

In 2023, she said she would not serve as the Senate president pro tempore, or the most senior member of the majority party, even though she was in line to do so.

From Washington Times • Sep. 29, 2023

Why is it not correct under any circumstances to speak of the president pro tempore as vice-president?

From Studies in Civics by McCleary, J. T. (James Thompson)