head of state

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.

The approved bill now stipulates that the vice-president - appointed by the president rather than elected - will become the head of state to serve out the rest of the seven-year term.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The late Jacques Chirac, also from the right, was in charge of the French capital from 1977 to 1995 before he was elected head of state.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

Iran’s supreme leader serves as the country’s head of state, commander in chief of the armed forces and the highest authority in its political and religious system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Schwarzenegger, 78, served as the state’s 38th governor and last Republican head of state from 2003 to 2011.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

This was an unparalleled situation in the country’s history: in the South African parliamentary system, the leader of the majority party becomes the head of state.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela