preside

verb

pre·​side pri-ˈzīd 

presided; presiding

intransitive verb

1

: to exercise guidance, direction, or control

2

a

: to occupy the place of authority : act as president, chairperson, or moderator

b

: to occupy a position similar to that of a president or chairperson

3

: to occupy a position of featured instrumental performer

—usually used with at

presided at the organ

presider noun

Synonyms of preside

• rule
• govern

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lecca also presides as the Chief Shortlister and Global Ambassador of the contest. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Said, wearing blue jeans and a sweater, remained expressionless for most of the hourlong hearing in The Hague as presiding Judge Miatta Maria Samba described the inhumane conditions detainees endured at the prison in the capital, Bangui. — Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026

The swarm of hell shall breathe up from the furnace that warms it, and over which Satan himself shall preside. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

There are restaurants where line cooks hardly see their presiding chefs. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin praesidēre to guard, preside over, from prae- + sedēre to sit — more at sit

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preside

• preside over

Rhymes for preside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

preside

verb

pre·​side pri-ˈzīd 

presided; presiding

1

: to be in the place of authority : act as president, chairperson, or moderator

preside over a meeting

2

: to be in charge

Legal Definition

preside

intransitive verb

pre·​side pri-ˈzīd 

presided; presiding

1

: to exercise guidance, direction, or control

2

: to occupy the place of authority : direct or regulate proceedings as chief officer