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preside

verb
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pre·​side | \ pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio) \
presided; presiding

Definition of preside

intransitive verb

1 : to exercise guidance, direction, or control
2a : 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 atpresided at the organ
Other Words from preside Example Sentences Learn More about preside

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Other Words from preside

presider noun

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.
Recent Examples on the Web Adherents have often referred to a coming storm, after which Mr. Trump would preside over a new government order. — New York Times, "‘Our President Wants Us Here’: The Mob That Stormed the Capitol," 10 Jan. 2021 On Wednesday beginning at 1 p.m., Pence is to preside over a joint session of Congress. — Arkansas Online, "Loyal soldier Pence torn between Trump, Constitution," 6 Jan. 2021 If Pence is not present, the most senior member of the Senate, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, will preside. — Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY, "What to expect when Congress meets to count Electoral College votes and Republicans object," 6 Jan. 2021 If Pence is absent during any part of Wednesday's session, Senator Chuck Grassley, the president pro tempore of the Senate, will preside. — CBS News, "How to watch Congress count the Electoral College votes," 6 Jan. 2021 Judges Lori Jupiter and Jennifer Medley recently picked cards to decide who would preside over the court’s rotating domestic docket. — Matt Sledge, NOLA.com, "Card pick determines who presides over New Orleans domestic court docket," 31 Dec. 2020 As president of the Senate, Pence is to preside over the Jan. 6 session and declare the winner. — Kevin Freking And Lisa Mascaro, chicagotribune.com, "Trump, House GOP lawmakers plot futile effort to block Congress from affirming Biden’s victory," 21 Dec. 2020 The results will be sent to Washington and tallied in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress over which Pence will preside. — Arkansas Online, "Arkansas' 6 electors cast ballots for President Trump," 14 Dec. 2020 The results will be sent to Washington and tallied in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress over which Vice President Mike Pence will preside. — Mark Sherman, ajc, "Battleground states vote as electors formally choose Biden," 14 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preside.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of preside

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for preside

Latin praesidēre to guard, preside over, from prae- + sedēre to sit — more at sit

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Time Traveler for preside

Time Traveler

The first known use of preside was in 1608

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Statistics for preside

Last Updated

17 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for preside

preside

verb
How to pronounce preside (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of preside

: to be in charge of something (such as a trial)

See the full definition for preside in the English Language Learners Dictionary

preside

verb
pre·​side | \ pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio) \
presided; presiding

Kids Definition of preside

: to be in charge He presided over the meeting. She will preside over the company.

preside

intransitive verb
pre·​side | \ pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio) \
presided; presiding

Legal Definition of preside

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

Nglish: Translation of preside for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of preside for Arabic Speakers

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