1
: the governor of a country or province who rules as the representative of a king or sovereign
2
or viceroy butterfly
: a showy North American nymphalid butterfly (Limenitis archippus) closely mimicking the monarch in coloration but smaller
Examples of viceroy in a Sentence
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Where viceroys were once intended to sleep, now yoga, sound baths, and meditation ensue—plus copious personalized spa treatments.
—
Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
His term was to last for three years, and in 1506 Afonso de Albuquerque was ordered by the king of Portugal to succeed Almeida as the governor and viceroy in 1508, when Almeida’s term was set to end.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
Regents or viceroys hearken back to royalty and empires, and that’s not the look Trump is going for here—at least for now.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
On November 30, 1680, a procession of new viceroys made their triumphant entry into Mexico City.
—Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
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Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
His term was to last for three years, and in 1506 Afonso de Albuquerque was ordered by the king of Portugal to succeed Almeida as the governor and viceroy in 1508, when Almeida’s term was set to end.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
Regents or viceroys hearken back to royalty and empires, and that’s not the look Trump is going for here—at least for now.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
On November 30, 1680, a procession of new viceroys made their triumphant entry into Mexico City.
—Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for viceroy
Cite this Entry
“Viceroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viceroy. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
viceroy
noun
vice·roy
ˈvīs-ˌrȯi 
1
: the governor of a country or province who represents the sovereign
2
: a black and orange North American butterfly resembling but smaller than the monarch
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