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

Lewis, who holds degrees from New York University and Cornell University, works as a vice president at Brasa Capital Management, a real-estate investment firm.

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"Regulations, the consumer's comfort with this product, and also how you manage airspaces, your supply chains, all need to catch up gradually," Michael Du, vice president of Aridge, told reporters at a recent event.

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“It’s clear the vice president respects him,” said Justin Logan, director of defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute, who is supportive of U.S.-led pressure to end the war.

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“Some deals include added extras, reduced fees or more flexible cancellation policies that make the overall experience a better buy,” said Lori McNaught, vice president of revenue management at Olympia Hospitality.

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“It’s like the beginning of a tidal wave,” said Peggy Wheeler, vice president of policy of the California Hospital Association.

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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.