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

Unsure of what to do, the presiding judge allowed Clermont to represent his friend but reported the incident to his colleagues, who in turn told Clermont to report himself to the JQC. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

Three military court judges presided. —ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026

The 23rd annual True/False film festival in Columbia, MO has reached its midway point, with one of documentary’s most revered talents presiding as Visiting Artistic Director – Oscar nominee Yance Ford. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2026

The trial was delayed after the presiding judge was removed from the case. —Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 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