preside

verb

pre·​side pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio)
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

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The presiding judge issued a case management order on June 24, laying down the schedule and procedures for the case. Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 26 June 2026 Lungu presided his courtroom remotely, Ortiz said, and there was only a guard in the courtroom, usually packed with detainees awaiting hearings. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 The presiding judge agreed to postpone the start for one day. ABC News, 15 June 2026 Since the revelations that some plaintiffs were paid to sue, the county has ramped up the vetting process for claims, appointing a former presiding judge of the county’s Superior Court to vet cases by Downtown LA Law Group, one of the main firms involved in the cases. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preside

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of preside was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

preside

verb
pre·​side pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio)
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 How to pronounce preside (audio)
presided; presiding
1
: to exercise guidance, direction, or control
2
: to occupy the place of authority : direct or regulate proceedings as chief officer

More from Merriam-Webster on preside

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster