governorship

noun

gov·​er·​nor·​ship ˈgə-vᵊn-ər-ˌship How to pronounce governorship (audio)
also ˈgə-vər-nər-
Synonyms of governorshipnext
1
: the office of governor
2
: the period of incumbency of a governor

Examples of governorship in a Sentence

a candidate for the governorship The state has done well during her governorship.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As of June 9, the primary race for California's governorship was still too close to call. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 9 June 2026 Newsom’s recent social-media activities notwithstanding, the California governorship is not one of those jobs. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 2 June 2026 Housing and affordability Each candidate describes housing affordability as a key hurdle for the next governor — and touts his proposal as a marquee policy for his governorship. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 25 June 2026 In 2019, the first year of DeSantis’ governorship, Florida carried out two executions, and then three years passed without another. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for governorship

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of governorship was in 1658

Rhymes for governorship

See All Rhymes for governorship

Browse Nearby Words

governor-in-council
governorship
Governors Island National Monument
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Governorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/governorship. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on governorship

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for governorship

Nglish: Translation of governorship for Spanish Speakers

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