provost

noun

pro·​vost ˈprō-ˌvōst 

ˈprä-vəst,

ˈprō-vəst,

 especially before another noun  ˌprō-(ˌ)vō

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

Examples of provost in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since May 5, Barajas has reached out the university’s provost, Erika Cameron, according to email exchanges sent to The Bee from Barajas. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025

He was promoted to provost two years later, working closely alongside then-President Michael Lovell. —Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025

Bradley, who previously acted as executive vice president and university provost, has been with UofL since 2016 and assumed the presidential role immediately. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

As a sweeping higher education reform bill awaits the governor's signature, University of Texas interim President Jim Davis named a sole finalist for provost of the institution in a move that surprised faculty members and signals a new balance of power in university hiring. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing provost

• provost court
• provost guard
• provost marshal

Kids Definition

provost

noun

pro·​vost ˈprō-ˌvōst 

ˈpräv-əst,

 before "marshal" often  ˌprō-vō

: a high managing officer (as in a university)