vice president

Or vice-pres·i·dent

[vahys prez-i-duhnt]

noun

1. an officer next in rank to a president who serves as president in the president's absence.

2. an officer next in rank to a president who serves as a deputy to the president or oversees a special division or function.

3. U.S. Government.,  the officer of this rank who is elected at the same time as the president and who succeeds to the presidency upon the resignation, removal, death, or disability of the president.

   Lincoln's first vice president was Hannibal Hamlin.

vice president

noun

1. Abbreviation: VP.  V. Pres. an officer ranking immediately below a president and serving as his deputy. A vice president takes the president's place during his absence or incapacity, after his death, and in certain other circumstances

Other Word Forms

• vice presidency noun
• vice-presidency noun
• vice-presidential adjective
• vice presidential adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vice president¹

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

"We have global over capacity, unfair competition, state aid, and undercutting in prices and we are reacting to that", Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's executive vice president for prosperity and industrial strategy.

From BBC

Speaking some time after the service, Rob Kantor, vice president at the synagogue, described Mr Cravitz as a "loving, charismatic, humourous man who always meant well and loved his community and loved his family".

From BBC

As he usually does, the vice president traps the press into playing his game by saying something flatly, outrageously untrue.

From Salon

Professor Vivien Lees, the College's senior vice president, says the new guidance is now a welcome step forward.

From BBC

The former vice president’s campaign diary takes aim at several of her fellow Democrats, including California’s governor.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

Why is the term vice president in the news?

On August 11, 2020, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden announced he selected California Senator Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential running mate for the 2020 presidential election.