governor
gb/ɡˈʌvɚnɚ/ us/ɡˈʌvɚnɚ/
B1
English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Elected head of a US state
The leader of a state government in the US, chosen by the people.
Usage pattern:
the governor of [state]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'governor' with 'mayor'; remember a governor leads a state, not a city.
Synonyms
state leader (A general term, less formal and less specific to the US political system.)
Antonyms
mayor (A mayor is the head of a city or town, not a state.)
Collocations
state governor
|governor's office
|governor's mansion
|elected governor
|governor's race
Themes
politics
|government
|law
Examples
- The governor signed the new education bill into law.
- California's governor announced a plan to address climate change.
- The governor will visit several cities next week to meet with community leaders.
- She was elected governor after serving two terms as lieutenant governor.
Learner examples
- The governor is the head of the state.
- Our governor wants to build new schools.
- The people voted for a new governor.
- The governor lives in a big house.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Official ruling a colony or territory
A person chosen by a country to lead and control one of its colonies or territories.
Usage pattern:
the governor of [territory/colony]
Synonyms
administrator (General term for someone managing an area; less formal and less tied to colonial context.)
Antonyms
subject (A subject is someone ruled over, not someone in charge.)
Collocations
colonial governor
|military governor
|British governor
|appointed governor
Themes
politics
|history
|law
Examples
- The colonial governor enforced new trade regulations.
- He served as military governor during the occupation.
- The British governor lived in the capital city of the colony.
Learner examples
- The British governor ruled the island.
- The governor made new rules for the people.
- A new governor came from England.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
3
Device regulating engine speed
A part of a machine that keeps its speed or operation under control automatically.
Synonyms
regulator (A broader term for any device controlling a system; not limited to engines.)
Antonyms
accelerator (A mechanism that increases speed rather than limiting it.)
Collocations
engine governor
|speed governor
|centrifugal governor
Themes
engineering
|technology
|science
Examples
- The engine's governor prevents it from running too fast.
- A centrifugal governor was used in old steam engines.
- The technician adjusted the speed governor on the machine.
Learner examples
- The governor keeps the engine from going too fast.
- This machine has a small governor inside it.
- The mechanic fixed the governor on the motor.
Noun
informal
B2
entity
4
Informal address for a man (UK)
In British English, a friendly way to call a man, sometimes one in charge.
Usage pattern:
Alright, [governor]?
Synonyms
boss (Similar informal address, often used for an employer or person in charge.)
Themes
social
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- Thanks, governor, I appreciate your help.
- Alright, governor, how's your day?
- Can I get you anything, governor?
Learner examples
- Hello, governor! How are you?
- Thanks, governor!
- Good morning, governor!
Grammar
Dictionary form
governor
IPA
GB/ɡˈʌvɚnɚ/
US/ɡˈʌvɚnɚ/
Syllables & stress
gov - ernor (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (gov)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: governor
- Plural: governors
Word family
Forms
governors
noun
Core family
govern
verb B2
government
noun A2
Related words
governmental
adjective C1
governance
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
ungovernable
adjective
non-governmental
adjective
Advanced or less common
governorship
noun
Expressions
governor general
1/ɡˈʌvɚnɚ d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/
fixed phrase
formal
Monarch's representative in Commonwealth country
A person who represents the king or queen in some countries that are part of the Commonwealth.
Examples
- The Governor General attended the opening of Parliament.
- She was appointed Governor General by the monarch.
lieutenant governor
1/lutˈɛnənt ɡˈʌvɚnɚ/
fixed phrase
Deputy to a US state governor
An official who helps the state governor and can take over if needed.
Examples
- The lieutenant governor stepped in while the governor was abroad.
- He served two terms as lieutenant governor before running for governor.