pro tempore

adverb

pro tem·​po·​re prō-ˈtem-pə-rē How to pronounce pro tempore (audio)
: for the time being

Examples of pro tempore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 35-member Senate will elect its president pro tempore-designate at the end of the 2026 fiscal session that begins in April, after the Senate Republican Caucus selects its nominee for the post. Arkansas Online, 21 Aug. 2025 Her, was serves as speaker pro tempore of the Minnesota House and is the co-chair of the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee, had previously explored a run. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2025 The bill also bears the signature of another lawmaker: Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who was tasked with signing the measure as acting president pro tempore of Congress' upper chamber. arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025 But deputy House Speaker pro tempore Bob Godfrey of Danbury harshly criticized Trump’s tax policies in the bill. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pro tempore

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pro tempore was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pro tempore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pro%20tempore. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pro tempore

adverb
pro tem·​po·​re prō-ˈtem-pə-rē How to pronounce pro tempore (audio)
: for the present
president pro tempore

Legal Definition

pro tempore

adverb or adjective
pro tem·​po·​re
prō-ˈtem-pə-rē, -pō-ˌrā
: for the time being : chosen or appointed to occupy a position either temporarily or in the absence of a regularly elected official
an administrator pro tempore
Etymology

Latin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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