pro tempore

adverb

pro tem·​po·​re prō-ˈtem-pə-rē 

: for the time being

Examples of pro tempore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s opened the door to questions about which senator will succeed him as president pro tempore, which is the most powerful position in the Senate, held by the controlling party. —Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026

During her time on the council, Budge has served as mayor five times, vice mayor five times — including this year — and mayor pro tempore once. —Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026

Drewenski has been mayor pro tempore since Clark’s death, as the senior member of the City Council. —Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026

According to the City Clerk’s office, the appointing authority responsible for filling the vacancy would be the office of Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who is the Council president pro tempore. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pro tempore

adverb

pro tem·​po·​re prō-ˈtem-pə-rē 

: 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