presided; presiding
1
: to exercise guidance, direction, or control
2
a
: to occupy the place of authority : act as president, chairman, or moderator
b
: to occupy a position similar to that of a president or chairman
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
The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office sought an order setting the execution date and a death warrant from Judge Ryan Hill, who currently presides in the 371st District Court.
—
Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025
Unlike previous courtroom appearances, in which Bell presided as judge, the 67-year-old former federal prosecutor will serve as mediator.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
During the 2024 sentencing, the presiding judge argued that Lorincz acted more out of anger than fear.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Neither his own research nor others’ has demonstrated such a strong conclusion, and the presiding judge picked up on that.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preside
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Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025
Unlike previous courtroom appearances, in which Bell presided as judge, the 67-year-old former federal prosecutor will serve as mediator.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
During the 2024 sentencing, the presiding judge argued that Lorincz acted more out of anger than fear.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Neither his own research nor others’ has demonstrated such a strong conclusion, and the presiding judge picked up on that.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preside
Cite this Entry
“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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