gubernatorial

adjective

gu·​ber·​na·​to·​ri·​al ˌgü-bər-nə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce gubernatorial (audio)
ˌgyü-, 
ˌgu̇-, 
-bə-
: of or relating to a governor
the gubernatorial election

Examples of gubernatorial 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.
Both gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn, say more needs to be done to improve the state's water. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 July 2026 The race was the first gubernatorial runoff in the state's history, and culminates a hot contest that featured three debates and raked in big donor dollars. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Peters is also backing Stevens and Whitmer beat el Sayed in the 2018 gubernatorial primary. — W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026 Once Platner dropped out July 10, Jackson and a flood of other former gubernatorial candidates and others jumped in to try to take Platner’s place. — Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gubernatorial

Word History

Etymology

Latin gubernator governor, steersman, from gubernare to govern — more at govern

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gubernatorial was in 1734

Rhymes for gubernatorial

See All Rhymes for gubernatorial

Browse Nearby Words

gubernator
gubernatorial
gubernatrix
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Cite this Entry

“Gubernatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gubernatorial. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gubernatorial

adjective
gu·​ber·​na·​to·​ri·​al ˌgüb-ə(r)-nə-ˈtōr-ē-əl How to pronounce gubernatorial (audio)
ˌgyüb-, 
-ˈtȯr-
: of or relating to a governor

More from Merriam-Webster on gubernatorial

Nglish: Translation of gubernatorial for Spanish Speakers

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