1
a
: royal authority : sovereignty
under the reign of the Stuart kings
b
: the dominion, sway, or influence of one resembling a monarch
the reign of the Puritan ministers
2
: the time during which someone (such as a sovereign) reigns
reigned; reigning; reigns
1
a
: to possess or exercise sovereign power : rule
b
: to hold office as chief of state although possessing little governing power
in England the sovereign reigns but does not rule
2
: to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch
3
: to be predominant or prevalent
chaos reigned in the classroom
Examples of reign in a Sentence
Noun
She was a popular ruler throughout her reign.
the reign of Queen Elizabeth
his reign as department chairperson
her reign as team president
his reign as heavyweight boxing champion
the reign of digital technology
Verb
The king reigned in a time of peace and prosperity.
The lion reigns as king of the jungle.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
The First King of all Norway who conquered his many powerful rivals, nearing the end of his legendary reign.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Beebe is the reigning Junior Women 15-16 Criterium National Champion.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reign
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Noun
Fordwich noted that the fashion rule was originally put in place when the court was built in 1919 during King George V’s reign.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
The First King of all Norway who conquered his many powerful rivals, nearing the end of his legendary reign.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Verb
However, with their own upgrades, Washington has the firepower to make things interesting with the reigning champions.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Beebe is the reigning Junior Women 15-16 Criterium National Champion.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reign
Cite this Entry
“Reign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reign. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reign
1 of 2 noun1
: the authority or rule of a monarch
2
: the time during which a monarch reigns
reign
2 of 2 verb1
: to govern as a monarch
2
: to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch
3
: to be usual or widespread
silence reigned
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