lieutenant governor

noun

: a deputy or subordinate governor: such as

a

: an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of an American state

b

: the formal head of the government of a Canadian province appointed by the federal government as the representative of the crown

lieutenant governorship noun

Examples of lieutenant governor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His lieutenant governor, Aruna Miller, is the first immigrant and woman of color to serve in that role in Maryland. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 June 2026

The lieutenant governor is first in line for succession if a governor is incapacitated. —Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026

Garry South is a Democratic strategist who has managed four campaigns for governor of California and two for lieutenant governor. —Garry South, Mercury News, 11 June 2026

But his standing changed when he was elected lieutenant governor, giving him control of the chamber’s agenda. —Shannon McCaffrey, AJC.com, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lieutenant governor

noun

1

: an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of an American state

2

: the formal head of the government of a Canadian province appointed to represent the crown