Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

preside over

phrasal verb

Definition of preside over

1 : to be in charge of something (such as a meeting or organization)
  • The vice president presided over the meeting.
  • The Chief Justice presides over the Supreme Court.
  • He has presided over the company for 15 years.
2 : to be in charge of a country, company, etc., during (a particular time or activity)
  • She presided over a period of relative peace and prosperity.

Word by Word Definitions

preside play

  1. : to exercise guidance, direction, or control

  2. : to occupy the place of authority : act as president, chairman, or moderator

  3. : to occupy a position similar to that of a president or chairman

See the full definition of preside
over play

  1. : across a barrier or intervening (see intervene 4) space

  2. : forward beyond an edge or brink and often down

  3. : across the brim

  1. used as a function word to indicate motion or situation in a position higher than or above another

  2. used as a function word to indicate the possession of authority, power, or jurisdiction in regard to some thing or person

  3. used as a function word to indicate superiority, advantage, or preference

  1. : upper, higher

  2. : outer, covering

  3. : excessive

  1. : to leap over

  1. : so as to exceed or surpass

  2. : excessive

  3. : to an excessive degree

See the full definition of over

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up preside over? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games