noun
governor
GUHV-nuh
noun
1
The elected or appointed head of a state, province, or similar region.
"The governor signed the new education bill into law."
2
A device that automatically regulates the speed or operation of a machine.
"The engine's governor prevents it from running faster than a safe limit."
3
A member of a board that oversees an institution such as a school or bank.
"She was elected to the board of governors at her old university."
How to Use Governor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person in charge of a state or region, or a mechanical device that keeps a machine's speed steady.
Common pairings
state governor
board of governors
a speed governor
Word Forms
governors plural, Governors plural
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Etymology
From Latin gubernator, "steersman" or "pilot", from the same Greek root as "govern".