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, 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
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 Senate failed to confirm one Trump federal judge nominee who would preside in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and three nominees for the Middle District. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2025 The district attorney’s office will likely present the case to a different jury, Gabriel, who presides in an auxiliary state district court, told the first jury. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2025 The use of obscene or profane language, personal attack, libel, slander, defamation, physical violence or the threat thereof, as determined by the presiding officer, shall constitute a disturbing a lawful meeting. Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 Throughout the hearing, Campos spoke solely in Spanish and occasionally asked his interpreter to further explain questions from presiding Judge Eli Richardson. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 2 July 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

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preside was in 1608

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 20 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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