Governor
/ˈɡʌvənər/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe elected executive head of a state, province, or territory.
/ˈɡʌvənər/
The executive head of a state or territory.
The governor signed the bill into law.
💡 Simply: Imagine the boss of a whole state! That's the governor. They make important decisions and lead the state.
👶 For kids: The person who is in charge of a state.
More Examples
The governor's office is located in the state capital.
Citizens voted for their preferred governor in the recent election.
How It's Used
"The governor addressed the state on the issue of education reform."
"The governor has the power to veto legislation passed by the state legislature."
A person who is responsible for the control and management of an institution or organization.
/ˈɡʌvənər/
A person who is responsible for the management of an institution.
The governors of the university decided to increase tuition fees.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who is in charge of a school or a hospital. They are a governor and they oversee everything.
👶 For kids: A person who is in charge of an important place, like a school or a hospital.
More Examples
The governors of the hospital oversee patient care.
A board of governors oversees the running of the school.
How It's Used
"The school's board of governors met to discuss the budget."
"The governor of the central bank sets monetary policy."
A device that automatically controls the speed of an engine or machine.
/ˈɡʌvənər/
A device that regulates speed.
The governor on the generator prevented it from overspeeding.
💡 Simply: Think of a device that keeps an engine from going too fast or too slow. That’s a governor.
👶 For kids: A little helper for machines that make sure they don't go too fast.
More Examples
The machine's governor regulated the engine's output.
The old steam engine's governor was essential for its smooth operation.
How It's Used
"The engine governor maintained a constant speed, even under varying loads."
"The governor on the steam engine kept it from running too fast."
Idioms & expressions
the governor's mansion
The official residence of a governor.
"The governor's mansion is located in the capital city."
From Middle English *governour*, from Old French *governeour*, from Latin *gubernator* ('helmsman, pilot').
Historically, the term was often used to refer to the ruler of a province or colony.
Memory tip
Think of the person who *governs* the state or territory. They are the *governor*.