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

Nugent, using her power as president pro tempore to vote on any City Council panel, cast meaningful votes during critical Finance Committee budget deliberations. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Hardman, the first Black woman elected to the West Des Moines City Council, is currently the West Des Moines mayor pro tempore. —Jonathan Carter, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025

Another $5 million was secured by former president pro tempore of the California State Senate, Toni Atkins, according to the city of Chula Vista. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 12 Dec. 2025

Two politicians -- California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former president pro tempore of the California state Senate Toni Atkins -- initially announced their candidacies, only to exit the race shortly thereafter. —Halle Troadec, ABC News, 26 Nov. 2025

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