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
In one, a judge is seeking reelection even though he has been removed from hearing cases because of what a presiding judge deemed deteriorating mental and physical health.
—
Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Regardless, Mary McKenna, the lone Democratic candidate for presiding commissioner, said the little slip of paper was the primary source of confusion for candidates, and could be the reason August’s ballot might end up much lighter than before.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
In Talley’s case, the presiding judge did issue a warrant.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
The presiding judge said Uzbek authorities had indicated that Karimova, 53, would not be released until after her full sentence is completed in December 2028 on convictions in Uzbekistan including embezzlement.
—ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preside
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Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Regardless, Mary McKenna, the lone Democratic candidate for presiding commissioner, said the little slip of paper was the primary source of confusion for candidates, and could be the reason August’s ballot might end up much lighter than before.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
In Talley’s case, the presiding judge did issue a warrant.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
The presiding judge said Uzbek authorities had indicated that Karimova, 53, would not be released until after her full sentence is completed in December 2028 on convictions in Uzbekistan including embezzlement.
—ABC News, 28 Apr. 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 6 May. 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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