pro tem

adverb

(ˌ)prō-ˈtem How to pronounce pro tem (audio)
: pro tempore

Examples of pro tem 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.
Bray will continue to serve as president pro tem and manage the day-to-day operations of the Senate until an election is held in November, according to the statement. — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Keller Mayor Ross McMullin, who was elected in May, was Keller’s mayor pro tem at the time of the December meeting. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Aug. 2026 Lopez, a Democrat, is a community health worker and has also served as the City Council’s mayor pro tem. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 He was selected by his colleagues to serve as acting mayor and president pro tem on multiple occasions, according to UCLA, which honored him in 2003 with a Public Service Award. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pro tem

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pro tem was in 1777

Rhymes for pro tem

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Browse Nearby Words

Protelytroptera
pro tem
pro tempore
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Cite this Entry

“Pro tem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pro%20tem. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

pro tem

adverb or adjective
: pro tempore
—often styled with a terminal period in legal contexts
Justice pro tem.
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