pro tempore

adverb

pro tem·​po·​re prō-ˈtem-pə-rē How to pronounce pro tempore (audio)
: for the time being

Examples of pro tempore 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.
The council chose Councilmember David Cohen to fill in pro tempore. — Grace Hase, Mercury News, 21 May 2026 Lucas, 82, who has served as a state senator since 1992, is the senate’s president pro tempore and among the state’s most prominent and outspoken Democrats. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 6 May 2026 If the gunman had been successful, Chuck Grassley, the ninety-two-year-old president pro tempore of the Senate, who skipped the dinner, would have been sworn in as President. — Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 McGuire had most recently served as the California Senate president pro tempore and earned around 40% of the primary vote as of late Tuesday. — Haley Parsley june 10, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pro tempore

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pro tempore was in the 15th century

Rhymes for pro tempore

See All Rhymes for pro tempore

Browse Nearby Words

pro tem
pro tempore
protend
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pro tempore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pro%20tempore. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pro tempore

adverb
pro tem·​po·​re prō-ˈtem-pə-rē How to pronounce pro tempore (audio)
: for the present
president pro tempore

Legal Definition

pro tempore

adverb or adjective
pro tem·​po·​re
prō-ˈtem-pə-rē, -pō-ˌrā
: for the time being : chosen or appointed to occupy a position either temporarily or in the absence of a regularly elected official
an administrator pro tempore
Etymology

Latin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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