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

The presiding judge for Mensah’s case ruled Tuesday that Duke must let the player enter the portal, according to Mensah’s attorney, Darren Heitner, in a statement to Sportico. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Jan. 2026

It’s expected that the presiding judge will sentence Umphenour to life in prison, court records showed, since the prosecution will not seek the death penalty as part of the agreement. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026

Judge Amy Allin, who presides in the 297th District Court in Tarrant County, sentenced Elphick under the plea agreement. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026

Having blurted out my enthusiasm for all things James Joyce (hardly original among visitors to Dublin), I was promptly steered in the direction of PJ Murphy, proprietor and presiding genius of Sweny’s, a former pharmacy on Lombard Street, not far from the hotel. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 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