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
Reddick, who serves as presiding judge of the Criminal Division, will rule on the issue next month.
—
Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The Senate parliamentarian advises the presiding officer on whether the provision violates the rule.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
Before moving to the murder indictment during a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Giardino, who presides in the 396th District Court, accepted Omondi’s guilty plea in a separate misdemeanor terroristic threat case.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
Luque and six others are standing a new trial because last May the court declared a mistrial after Julieta Makintach, one of the original three presiding judges, stepped down over criticism about her participation in a documentary on the case.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preside
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Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The Senate parliamentarian advises the presiding officer on whether the provision violates the rule.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
Before moving to the murder indictment during a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Giardino, who presides in the 396th District Court, accepted Omondi’s guilty plea in a separate misdemeanor terroristic threat case.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
Luque and six others are standing a new trial because last May the court declared a mistrial after Julieta Makintach, one of the original three presiding judges, stepped down over criticism about her participation in a documentary on the case.
—ABC News, 21 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 28 Apr. 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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