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

But though many university provosts and presidents have pointed to geopolitical and policy factors Baum cautioned against interpreting the enrollment cliff as a cyclical struggle, particularly for smaller schools who are struggling to keep domestic enrollment numbers up anyway. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 20 June 2026

Before serving as president of the University of Alabama, Bell served as provost and professor of engineering at Louisiana State University and as dean of the School of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas. — Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026

In the letter, Levine raised concerns over language in Interim President Donald Landry’s employment agreement that grants Hosseini authority over hiring and compensation decisions affecting a wide range of university personnel, from the provost to lower-level administrative and academic employees. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

Maguire was appointed interim provost and vice president for academic affairs June 1, replacing Erika Cameron who had been in the role for only 15 months. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 17 June 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)