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

Republicans kept their 19-12 majority in the Texas Senate, but Democrat Vikki Goodwin’s win in the lieutenant governor’s race gives the party the chamber’s presiding officer. — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2026

Four family district court judgeships also flipped, including in the 323rd District Court, where Judge Alex Kim has presided since 2019. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

In 1984, the elder President Herzog presided as a divided nation, at war in Lebanon, went to the polls. — Ilan Ben Zion, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Nov. 2026

At Mosfilm, Putin presided at a large table, surrounded by titans of Russian cinema. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 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