presided; presiding
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
Examples of preside in a Sentence
Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.
Recent Examples on the Web
All three charges are marked domestic violence-related, per the presiding judge and court records obtained by PEOPLE.
—
Danielle Bacher, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
For weeks leading up to the election, judges barter for their votes with candidates and make deals for which court system, division and courthouse they will be assigned to, and power players jockey for the supervisory placements, or presiding judge positions, by promising a bloc of loyal votes.
—Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The current hearing will form part of presiding judge Justice Christopher Beale’s sentencing decision, which will be heard at a later date.
—Reuters, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025
Tanya Crowe is not the presiding Miss Louisiana; she was crowned in 2021.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preside
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Danielle Bacher, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
For weeks leading up to the election, judges barter for their votes with candidates and make deals for which court system, division and courthouse they will be assigned to, and power players jockey for the supervisory placements, or presiding judge positions, by promising a bloc of loyal votes.
—Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The current hearing will form part of presiding judge Justice Christopher Beale’s sentencing decision, which will be heard at a later date.
—Reuters, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025
Tanya Crowe is not the presiding Miss Louisiana; she was crowned in 2021.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preside
Cite this Entry
“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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