gubernatorial

adjective

gu·​ber·​na·​to·​ri·​al ˌgü-bər-nə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce gubernatorial (audio)
ˌgyü-, 
ˌgu̇-, 
-bə-
: of or relating to a governor
the gubernatorial election

Examples of gubernatorial in a Sentence

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.
America Healthy Again movement turned out for Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn on Wednesday evening in an effort to propel him to victory in the midterm election next week. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2026 The seven-term lawmaker had been seen as one of the leading candidates in California's gubernatorial race before dropping out after the accusations surfaced. — Eric Tucker, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra maintained a 24-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the governor’s race, up from a 22-point lead in September. — Andrew Graham october 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Tarrant County is ground zero for a blue wave in Texas, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa said at a Tuesday night get-out-the-vote rally in Lake Worth. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gubernatorial

Word History

Etymology

Latin gubernator governor, steersman, from gubernare to govern — more at govern

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gubernatorial was in 1734

Rhymes for gubernatorial

See All Rhymes for gubernatorial

Browse Nearby Words

gubernator
gubernatorial
gubernatrix
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gubernatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gubernatorial. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gubernatorial

adjective
gu·​ber·​na·​to·​ri·​al ˌgüb-ə(r)-nə-ˈtōr-ē-əl How to pronounce gubernatorial (audio)
ˌgyüb-, 
-ˈtȯr-
: of or relating to a governor
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