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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.
Sombart took capitalism as not merely a mode of production but a presiding spiritual temper. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 That accusation prompted the Senate’s presiding chair to step in and warn Peters that Senate Rule XIX states that senators shall not impute to another senator any conduct or motive unworthy of being a senator. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2025 The defense asked that Singh be allowed to appear virtually for the next docket call, though Mirman said another judge will preside that day and will determine whether virtual appearances are permitted. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025 Nearby cities like Independence, Shawnee and Olathe also have one or two judges each, but typically allow each judge to preside for four or five days a week instead of one, Maxwell-Lopez and Altieri said. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025 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 Dec. 2025.

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

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