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.
Norman placed third in a Republican gubernatorial primary in June. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The campaign said state officials intend to recount only the votes cast for Lindell and Demuth and not all the votes cast in the Republican gubernatorial primary, while excluding votes for other candidates in the race. — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson made a surprising comment during a recent election event. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026 By selecting Avila, who is Cuban-American, and announcing it in Miami, the Donald campaign aims to connect with the Latino immigrant community and secure Miami-Dade County, a key battleground in the gubernatorial race. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gubernatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gubernatorial. Accessed 2 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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