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

Epstein was not named as one of the finalists or even a top 20 candidate by the initial search committee before the university provost scrapped the search and later appointed Epstein. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Guzman, a former law school dean who became provost in 2023, faced similar tests over protests and free speech. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Richard Wicentowski, provost and computer science professor at Swarthmore, told The Post last month that the policy helps reduce new students’ stress levels and encourages them to try new subjects. — Dan Simmons, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

During the Bay Program meeting Monday, the tribes also received support from Bill Dennison, provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026

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)