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

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

Former Republican Sen. Ellen Craswell, who was appointed Senate president pro tempore in 1987, was the first woman to hold the job.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 25, 2023

The president laid out his rationale for the strikes in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, and Sen. Patty Murray, Washington Democrat and Senate president pro tempore.

From Washington Times • Oct. 29, 2023

The President pro tempore: It is moved that 1,000 extra copies of the report be printed for the use of the Senate.

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