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

O'Connor said the bell was gifted to the city during the tenure of former Mayor Sophie Masloff, who presided in Pittsburgh from 1988 to 1994. —Josh Taylor, CBS News, 4 June 2026

The Senate parliamentarian advises the presiding officer on whether the provision violates the rule. —Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 3 June 2026

Justice Karin Emerton, the court’s presiding judge, referred to him as Uncle Robbie. —ABC News, 3 June 2026

Due to the high-profile nature of the trial, the presiding judge ruled that cameras weren't allowed in the courtroom. —Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 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