Definition

1. Noun:
   • The elected executive head of a state in the U.S.: The "governor" is the chief political leader of a state, responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the executive branch of the state government.
   • An official appointed to govern a region or institution: A "governor" can be a person in authority who controls or directs a public institution, such as a bank, prison, or school board.
   • A mechanical regulator: In engineering, a "governor" is a device that automatically controls the speed of an engine or machine, typically by regulating the supply of fuel or steam.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Political Leader):
  • The governor signed the new education bill into law.
  • She announced her candidacy for governor in the next election.
• Noun (Institutional Head):
  • He served as a governor on the hospital's board of trustees.
  • The prison governor implemented new rehabilitation programs.
• Noun (Mechanical Device):
  • The engine's governor failed, causing it to over-rev.
  • A centrifugal governor maintains a constant speed in the machinery.

Advanced Usage

• "Acting governor": A person temporarily performing the duties of a governor.
  • The lieutenant governor became acting governor when the governor was abroad.
• "Governor-general": An official appointed to govern a large territory or a group of colonies, representing the monarch.
  • The Governor-General of Canada performs ceremonial duties on behalf of the Crown.

Variants and Related Words

• Gubernatorial (adj): Relating to a governor.
  • The gubernatorial election was highly competitive.
• Governorship (n): The office, term, or jurisdiction of a governor.
  • Her governorship was marked by economic growth.

Synonyms

• Chief executive (for a state).
• Administrator, director (for an institution).
• Regulator, controller (for a mechanical device).

Related Phrases

• Run for governor: To be a candidate in an election for the office of governor.
  • After serving as mayor, he decided to run for governor.
• Board of governors: A group of people appointed to oversee an institution.
  • The university's board of governors approved the new budget.

Related Idioms

• A lame-duck governor: A governor who is serving out a term after losing an election or being ineligible for re-election, and thus has diminished power.
  • During his final months as a lame-duck governor, he found it difficult to pass new legislation.

Noun

1. a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel)
2. the head of a state government