provost

noun pro·vost \ ˈprō-ˌvōst , ˈprä-vəst , ˈprō-vəst , especially before another noun ˌprō-(ˌ)vō \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of provost

1 : the chief dignitary of a collegiate or cathedral chapter

2 : the chief magistrate of a Scottish burgh

3 : the keeper of a prison

4 : a high-ranking university administrative officer

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Recent Examples of provost from the Web

On Tuesday, Bendapudi, vice chancellor and provost at Kansas, was named the University of Louisville’s 18th president.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville's new president, Neeli Bendapudi, a prolific fundraiser who sets big goals," 3 Apr. 2018
The former director of admissions and vice provost who hand-delivered the acceptance letter for his son during a football game.

— mark zeigler, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Is the day nearing when Michigan will properly acknowledge Steve Fisher?," 1 Apr. 2018
Davies joins previous winners such as UNC Charlotte provost and vice president Joan Lorden, and Lee Institute president Cyndee Patterson as women to accept the award.

— lavendrick smith, charlotteobserver, "Queens University of Charlotte's president named Charlotte Woman of the Year | Charlotte Observer," 29 Mar. 2018
Brophy, whose office reports to the provost, and another staff member meet with the basketball team every Monday and talk about classes, coming assignments, grades, and the travel schedule.

— susan snyder, Philly.com, "Villanova athletes score well on and off the court," 22 Mar. 2018
Since becoming an independent newspaper in the 1970s, the Cardinal received anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 from the president's and provost's office for advertising.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "University of Louisville’s student paper to keep printing – for now – thanks to late ad buy," 27 Mar. 2018
Gibson, a native of East St. Louis, currently serves as the provost at Morgan State University in Baltimore.

— dawn rhodes, chicagotribune.com, "Gibson becomes first black female president at NEIU," 15 Mar. 2018
Bichelmeyer will return to her post as UMKC provost when Agrawal is in place June 20.

— mará rose williams, kansascity, "New UMKC Chancellor promises ‘something spectacular’ for Kansas City," 9 Feb. 2018
The review was conducted by Jeremy Teitelbaum, interim provost & EVP for academic affairs, and Christopher J. Delello, the chief human resources officer.

— dave altimari, courant.com, "UConn Demotes Department Head It Says Lost Touch With Slain Professor Bigazzi," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'provost.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of provost

Middle English, from Old English profost & Anglo-French provost, from Medieval Latin propositus, alteration of praepositus, from Latin, one in charge, director, from past participle of praeponere to place at the head — more at preposition

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First Known Use: before 12th century

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Other Job Terms

factotum, milliner, ostler, scrivener, tinker, webster, wordsmith

PROVOST Defined for English Language Learners

provost

noun

Definition of provost for English Language Learners

: an official of high rank at a university
: the head of a college at a university
: the head of a Scottish town

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