governorate

American

[guhv-er-ner-it, -nuh-reyt, -uh-ner-, -uh-nuh-] / ˈgʌv ər nər ɪt, -nəˌreɪt, -ə nər-, -ə nə- /

noun

an administrative division of a country, especially Egypt.

Etymology

Origin of governorate

First recorded in 1895–1900; governor + -ate ³

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to his official STC biography, he was raised in southwest Yemen's rugged Dhale governorate and later entered the Faculty of Air Force and Air Defence in Aden -- then the capital of South Yemen.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s airstrikes last Friday came a day after Riyadh told the southern council to pull its forces out of Hadramout governorate, which borders the kingdom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

At least 36 Palestinians were killed - 21 from Jenin governorate - according to the Palestinian health ministry.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2025

It says agencies have been unable to deliver aid north of the southernmost governorate of Rafah for four days.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

They followed us at last into the governorate, and sat down on the hall carpet with the air of men who know what fun the future holds.

From The Lion of Petra by Mundy, Talbot

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023