the elected head of government of a U.S. state, a British overseas territory, or another sub-national region
The governor signed the new education bill into law.
After the election, María became the first female governor of her state.
✦ From Latin ‘gubernātor’ meaning ‘steersman, ruler’, via Old French ‘governeor’.
British informal: a friendly or respectful way to address or refer to a man in authority, an employer, or sometimes any older man
Thanks for the lift, governor!
Excuse me, governor, could you tell me the time?
✦ A shortening and relaxed pronunciation of the formal word 'governor' that began appearing in 19th-century London slang.
a mechanical or electronic device that automatically keeps the speed or pressure of a machine within set limits
The old steam engine has a flyball governor to keep its speed steady.
When the governor failed, the machine began to run too fast and overheated.
✦ Sense extended from the idea of a person who governs to a mechanism that exercises control.
