pro tempore

American  

[proh tem-puh-ree, proh tem-paw-re] / ˈproʊ ˈtɛm pəˌri, ˈproʊ ˈtɛm pɔˌrɛ /

Also pro tem

adverb

1. temporarily; for the time being.

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adjective

1. temporary (often used postpositively).

   She is serving as a judge pro tempore.

pro tempore British  

/ ˈprəʊ ˈtɛmpərɪ /

adverb

1. Often shortened to: pro tem.  for the time being

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pro tempore Cultural  

1. Temporarily: “While the president of the company is ill, the vice president will act as the leader pro tem.” From Latin, meaning “for the time being.”

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Etymology

Origin of pro tempore

< Latin

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

If the Senate doesn’t confirm Warsh before Powell’s term as chair ends, Powell has said he would remain chair pro tempore until his successor is named.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 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

Four years later, he won a seat in the state Senate, serving for a time as that chamber’s president pro tempore and eventually mounting an unsuccessful challenge to U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2024

The President pro tempore: The senator from Massachusetts accepts the suggestion of the senator from Vermont, and the word "may" will be substituted for "shall."

From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume III by Stanton, Elizabeth Cady