# provost

/ˈpɹoʊvoʊst/ (US) · /pɹˈɒvɒst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/provost
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. university official

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a very senior official at a university who is in charge of academic matters.

For teachers: the senior academic officer of a university or college, responsible for the institution's educational policies and faculty affairs.

- The provost announced new funding for research during the faculty meeting.
- As the university's chief academic officer, the provost oversaw the tenure review process and the allocation of departmental budgets.

Usage: In American universities, the provost is usually the second-in-command after the president.

### 2. Scottish mayor

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

the head of a local government in a Scottish town or city, similar to a mayor.

For teachers: the head of a municipal corporation or council in Scotland, equivalent to the office of mayor in England and Wales.

- The Provost of Edinburgh attended the opening of the new community centre.
- The Lord Provost presided over the council session, representing the city in its official civic capacity during the royal visit.

Teaching tip: This term is specific to Scotland; in England, 'mayor' is the standard term for this role.

### 3. church official

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a high-ranking priest who is the head of a cathedral or a specific church group.

For teachers: a high-ranking Christian cleric, specifically the head of a cathedral chapter in certain denominations or the head of a religious community.

- The provost led the special service at the cathedral on Sunday morning.
- The provost was responsible for the spiritual leadership and administrative oversight of the cathedral's daily operations.

### 4. military police officer

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a military officer who is in charge of the military police.

For teachers: an officer appointed to supervise the military police of a camp, garrison, or army in the field.

- The provost marshal was responsible for maintaining discipline among the troops.
- The provost marshal's office coordinated with local authorities to ensure the security of the military installation's perimeter.

Usage: Often appears in the compound title 'provost marshal'.

## Examples

- The provost announced the new budget for the university.
- After the president resigned, the provost took over the daily management of the college's academic departments.
- The provost is responsible for balancing the competing interests of various faculty departments while ensuring the institution maintains its rigorous accreditation standards.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.