governor-general

noun

gov·​er·​nor-gen·​er·​al ˈgə-vᵊn-ər-ˈjen-rəl 

-ˈje-nə-

also ˈgə-vər-nər-

plural governors-general or governor-generals

: a governor of high rank

especially : one who governs a large territory or oversees deputy governors

Examples of governor-general in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Guest preferences shape excursions, which can include experiences such as after-hours access to the Acropolis, behind-the-scenes museum tours or afternoon tea with the governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda. — Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 23 Mar. 2026

Mostyn, the governor-general, accepted an invitation from the National Council of Jewish Women for women of all faiths to lay a flower at the memorial on Sunday morning. — CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, center, his wife, Jodie Haydon, left, and Australia's governor-general, Sam Mostyn, at the memorial. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 21 Dec. 2025

By 1801, Louverture sat at the head of the colony under the title of governor-general. — Marlene L. Daut september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025

During his time in Manila, where he had been posted as ambassador to help stabilize the coup-prone administration of Corazon Aquino, his office was part of the old American governor-general’s suite. — Alan Cowell, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025

They were welcomed for their official arrival by Australia’s governor-general Sam Mostyn, the King’s representative in the country, and her husband Simeon Beckett. — Simon Perry, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024

Pamela spent part of her childhood in Australia, where Kenny had been dispatched as military secretary to the governor-general. — Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for governor-general

• general