presided; presiding
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
Examples of preside in a Sentence
Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement Reimagining global aid Trying to reimagine a global aid system built by the Allied powers in 1945, and later reshaped by the post-1991 liberal order over which America has presided, requires taking its history seriously.
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Time, 26 Feb. 2026
The presiding judge in the case against Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative icon Charlie Kirk last September, will rule on a critical defense motion today.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
In many major American cities, the legislative body selects its own presiding officer.
—Sara Albrecht, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
The trial’s presiding judge, Norbert Hofer, is also a part-time mountain rescuer.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026
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Time, 26 Feb. 2026
The presiding judge in the case against Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative icon Charlie Kirk last September, will rule on a critical defense motion today.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
In many major American cities, the legislative body selects its own presiding officer.
—Sara Albrecht, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
The trial’s presiding judge, Norbert Hofer, is also a part-time mountain rescuer.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preside
Cite this Entry
“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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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