governor
/ˈɡʌvənə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡʌvərnər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgə-vᵊn-ər also ˈgə-vər-nər/ (ame, mw)
governor — noun
- governorsingular
- governorsplural
1. the person elected to lead one of the states within the United States, or a pers
the person elected to lead one of the states within the United States, or a person appointed to run a territory that belongs to a foreign country.
The governor of California signed the new education bill into law yesterday.
governor of + state name
Zayd ran for governor after serving eight years as a state senator.
Each US state elects its own governor every four years.
The British governor of the colony announced new trade agreements with local leaders.
As governor, she worked to improve public transport across the state.
- leader
Much broader; any person who guides a group, not specific to a state or region.
- chief executive
More formal; used for the top officer of a state or large organization.
文法句型
the governor of + place
用法筆記
In the US, a governor is the highest state official, ranking below the president but above state-level positions. In historical or colonial contexts, a governor may be appointed rather than elected.
常見錯誤
2. the person with the highest authority in a large institution such as a prison, b
the person with the highest authority in a large institution such as a prison, bank, or school — responsible for making sure it runs according to rules and standards.
The prison governor ordered a full investigation after the incident last night.
prison governor
Adina was appointed governor of the National Bank last March.
governor of + financial institution
A meeting of college governors was called to discuss the new budget.
The governor of the central bank raised interest rates to control inflation.
文法句型
the governor of + institution
用法筆記
This sense is more common in British English. In the US, 'director' or 'warden' (for prisons) is often used instead. The institution is typically a public or semi-public body, not a small private business.
常見錯誤
3. a mechanical or electronic device that automatically keeps the speed, pressure,
a mechanical or electronic device that automatically keeps the speed, pressure, or temperature of an engine or machine within a set range — for example, a centrifugal governor that slows a steam engine when it runs too fast.
The engine's governor kicked in when the motor exceeded its maximum safe speed.
mechanical governor + kicks in / engages
Vinícius adjusted the governor on the generator to maintain a steady power output.
Old steam engines relied on a centrifugal governor to regulate their speed.
A faulty governor caused the turbine to spin out of control during the test run.
- regulator
A broader term for any device that controls speed, pressure, or flow.
- controller
General term for a device that manages a system's operation.
用法筆記
This is a technical term used mainly in engineering, mechanics, and older machinery contexts. Learners at CEFR A2-B1 are unlikely to encounter it outside specialized reading.
常見錯誤
4. someone who sits on an official committee that supervises how a school, hospital
someone who sits on an official committee that supervises how a school, hospital, or other public body is run — helping to set rules, approve spending, and choose senior staff.
The board of governors meets once a month to review school performance.
board of governors (group noun)
Yuki has served as a hospital governor for five years.
The museum's governors voted to approve funding for the new exhibition hall.
As a school governor, Élise helps decide how the education budget is spent.
Any major change in policy must be approved by the college's board of governors.
- board member
Equivalent term in American English; less formal.
- trustee
Similar role but typically used for charitable or educational foundations with legal responsibility for assets.
- overseer
Less common; focuses on supervision rather than strategic decision-making.
用法筆記
This sense is most common in British English. A 'school governor' or 'college governor' is not the same as the headteacher or principal — they are volunteers or appointed members who oversee strategy rather than day-to-day operations. Distinguish from sense 2, where the governor is the single highest executive of an institution.