governor-general

noun

gov·​er·​nor-gen·​er·​al ˈgə-vᵊn-ər-ˈjen-rəl How to pronounce governor-general (audio)
-ˈje-nə-,
 also  ˈgə-vər-nər-
plural governors-general or governor-generals
: a governor of high rank
especially : one who governs a large territory or has deputy governors under him

Examples of governor-general in a Sentence

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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.
Glen, known for his role as the loyal Jorah Mormont in HBO’s fantasy series, will portray Leonard Wood, the U.S. Army major who served as governor-general of the Philippines from 1921-1927. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025 During his time in Manila, where he had been posted as ambassador to help stabilize the coup-prone administration of Corazon Aquino, his office was part of the old American governor-general’s suite. — Alan Cowell, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of governor-general was in 1579

Rhymes for governor-general

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governor's plum
governor-general
governor-general-in-council
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Cite this Entry

“Governor-general.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/governor-general. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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