provost

noun

pro·​vost ˈprō-ˌvōst How to pronounce provost (audio)
ˈprä-vəst
ˈprō-vəst
especially before another noun ˌprō-(ˌ)vō
1
: the chief dignitary of a collegiate or cathedral chapter
2
: the chief magistrate of a Scottish burgh
3
: the keeper of a prison
4
: a high-ranking university administrative officer

Examples of provost 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.
In response, Cecil Howard, the associate provost and interim dean of the law school, on Monday issued a message to students, obtained by the Orlando Sentinel, that said the word was not restricted and that the university’s leadership had not issued the directive. Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 In the past year, UT has had four provosts, a new president and a new chancellor. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026 Cal State Channel Islands has received roughly $40 million in HSI grant funding in the last decade, said Jessica Lavariega Monforti, the university’s provost. Olivia Sanchez, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026 The college requested to keep the program but was denied by the university's provost. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provost

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English profost & Anglo-French provost, from Medieval Latin propositus, alteration of praepositus, from Latin, one in charge, director, from past participle of praeponere to place at the head — more at preposition

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of provost was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Provost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provost. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

provost

noun
pro·​vost ˈprō-ˌvōst How to pronounce provost (audio)
ˈpräv-əst
before "marshal" often ˌprō-vō
: a high managing officer (as in a university)

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