pro tem

adverb

(ˌ)prō-ˈtem 

: pro tempore

Examples of pro tem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Toni Atkins, a Democrat who is one of only a few Californians to ever serve as both Assembly speaker and Senate president pro tem, acknowledged that having more members with a broad array of beliefs could cause issues. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

McGuire is a former state Senate president pro tem who represents the state's 2nd Senate District. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Tryfman has served as a Superior Court judge pro tem, handling traffic and small claims cases. — Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

He was elected to the Town Board in 2005, was reelected in 2009 and was selected mayor pro tem by his fellow commissioners. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pro tem

• condemn
• mayhem
• atm
• diadem
• ibidem
• meristem
• clem
• em
• femme
• gem
• hem
• phlegm

Legal Definition

pro tem

adverb or adjective

: pro tempore

—often styled with a terminal period in legal contexts

Justice pro tem.