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, chairman, or moderator

b

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

3

: to occupy a position of featured instrumental performer

—usually used with at

presided at the organ

presider noun

Synonyms

• boss
• captain
• command
• control
• govern
• rule
• sway [archaic]

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.

Recent Examples on the Web

The verdict was read in a New York City courtroom presided by Judge Juan Merchan on Thursday, May 30, 2024. —Lawrence Yee, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024

The presiding official, Suresh Kumar Gupta, complained that the room had no air-conditioning, and the water supply in the bathrooms was also affected. —Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 29 May 2024

Democrats District 97 : Carlos Walker, director of the Fort Worth school district’s Family Action Center, faces Diane Symons, a county presiding election judge. —Tom Johanningmeier, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2024

Under the deal approved Tuesday by a presiding disciplinary judge of the Colorado Supreme Court, Ellis' suspension of her law license takes effect July 2. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preside

• preside over

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