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

Courtesy Private Property Global Griffin’s presiding Australian statement would not be a parliament building or national monument, but a family home. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

The program is part of Veterans Accessing Lifelong Opportunities for Rehabilitation (VALOR) in Collin County, Texas, an initiative launched by Judge John Roach Jr, presiding judge of the North Texas Veterans Court and a Marine Corps veteran. — Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026

Instead of sending him to prison, the presiding judge placed him on probation for three years. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 July 2026

Victorian mansions still preside as reminders of the coastal hub’s fleeting golden age before the historic 1900 hurricane devastated this sliver of an island, leaving behind a wake of destruction that took decades to repair. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 July 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