provost

noun

pro·​vost ˈprō-ˌvōst 

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

For example, in one deanship, the respected provost, my boss, was a fantastic mentor because his psychology background added new perspectives to my leadership and science lens. —Gregory Crawford, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Queen's charges stemmed from his actions during his time as interim provost for Southwestern. —Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 16 Oct. 2024

Dyson served as provost of his alma mater, Royal College of Art, from 2011 until 2017, succeeding Sir Terence Conran, and has been a great promoter of science and arts education. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 15 Aug. 2024

The president and provost were named and sued for damages in their personal capacity due to both parties showing their involvement in prior restraint with the protest, McGivern said. —Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Aug. 2024

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

Phrases Containing provost

• provost court
• provost guard
• provost marshal

Kids Definition

provost

noun

pro·​vost ˈprō-ˌvōst 

ˈpräv-əst,

 before "marshal" often  ˌprō-vō

: a high managing officer (as in a university)