stadtholder

noun

stadt·​hold·​er ˈstat-ˌhōl-dər How to pronounce stadtholder (audio)
1
: a viceroy in a province of the Netherlands
2
: a chief executive officer of the provinces that formed a union leading to establishment of the Netherlands
stadtholderate noun
stadtholdership noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Both eventually appointed William as stadtholder—steward or governor—making him, in effect, the leader of the republic. Allan Massie, WSJ, 6 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stadtholder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of Dutch stadhouder, from stad place + houder holder

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stadtholder was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near stadtholder

Cite this Entry

“Stadtholder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stadtholder. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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