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

Laura Lyons, interim vice provost for academic excellence at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, called their promotions especially important. —Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Drell has been a professor at Stanford since 2002, serving as the dean of the engineering school from 2014 to 2017 and as Stanford’s provost from 2017 to 2023. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026

In 2018, she was also appointed as the provost of Sixth College. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Two of the centers announced for closure were under Markman’s domain, according to a leadership chart of the provost’s portfolio. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026

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)