pro tem

adverb

(ˌ)prō-ˈtem 

: pro tempore

Examples of pro tem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Lopez has recused himself from the City Council’s recent discussions on the city’s strained municipal court, and Shields, as mayor pro tem, had been running deliberations on the topic in his absence. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

Bilodeau, a civil engineer, also serves as the president of the Orange County Water District, mayor pro tem of the city of Orange, and president of the Orange Taxpayers Association. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 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.