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

But the two top Senate Democrats, President pro tempore Martin Looney of New Haven and majority leader Bob Duff of Norwalk, hailed the proposal that is called An Act Concerning Affordability. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026

Kaylor, who is also Blue Springs’ current mayor pro tempore, was first elected in April 2017 and re-elected in 2020 and 2023. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

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

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