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

According to Coin, James Spencer went on to become a commander in the Navy and a dean and provost at Cornell University. — Katie Howe, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

In 1995, Cárdenas left the University of Texas to join his alma mater, Notre Dame, as a professor, assistant provost and as the founding director of its Institute for Latino Studies. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Her mother, Lakshmi, is a molecular biologist who serves as a provost at UC San Diego. — Kate Andersen Brower, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

Her own mother had been forced to drop out of Howard for financial reasons, but an uncle later served as the university’s vice-provost. — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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)