Definition

Noun: 1. An elected official serving as deputy to the governor of a U.S. state: In the United States, a lieutenant governor is a state government official who is first in the line of succession to the governor and often presides over the state senate. 2. A deputy or representative of a governor in other jurisdictions: In some countries and Canadian provinces, a lieutenant governor is a representative of the monarch (or the federal government) who performs ceremonial duties and acts on the advice of the elected government.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The lieutenant governor presided over the state senate's debate.
  • She was elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with the popular incumbent.
  • The lieutenant governor will assume the duties of governor if the governor is unable to serve.

Advanced Usage

• "Acting as lieutenant governor": Performing the duties of the office temporarily.
  • With the governor out of the country, the senate president is acting as lieutenant governor.
• The role and powers of a lieutenant governor vary significantly from one U.S. state to another. In some states, the office has substantial responsibilities, while in others it is largely ceremonial.

Variants and Related Words

• Lieutenant gubernatorial (adj): Pertaining to a lieutenant governor or the office.
  • The lieutenant gubernatorial debate focused on economic policy.
• Governor (n): The elected executive head of a U.S. state.
• Deputy governor (n): A similar position in other governmental systems.

Synonyms

• Deputy governor
• Second-in-command (to the governor)
• Vice executive (context-specific)

Notes on Different Meanings

• In the United States, a lieutenant governor is typically an elected official who is part of the state's executive branch.
• In Canada, a lieutenant governor is the formal representative of the Canadian monarch in a province, appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The role is largely ceremonial and symbolic.

Noun

1. an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of a state of the United States