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

Then, the presiding judge declared a mistrial on additional counts of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter as the jury did not produce a unanimous decision. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

On November 9, 2024, the presiding judge mentioned Brobbey’s extortion as a motive for the shooting. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026

The appellate court in Austin reversed Judge George Gallagher, who presided in the 396th District Court at the time of the first trial. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

The presiding judge set Hollingsworth free due to a lack of evidence of committing a crime. —Josh Taylor, CBS News, 7 Feb. 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