preside

1 of 2

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

presider

2 of 2

noun

pre·​sid·​er

prēˈzīdə(r), 

prə̇ˈ-

plural -s

: one that presides

Synonyms of preside

Verb

• rule
• govern

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Verb

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

State AGs told presiding federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers last week that $200 billion is a more likely figure. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

This trial is being presided over by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who also presided this spring over the high-profile lawsuit that Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought against OpenAI. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026

Dale Brouk originally launched his campaign for presiding commissioner on the Republican ticket, but became an independent candidate after withdrawing from the election due to confusion regarding personal financial disclosure statement filing. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

The ballet became a hilarious parody of Wagnerian cliches as a cartwheeling child wearing sneakers with rainbow lights and dressed in gold, resembling statues of the composer, presided in front of a faux Bayreuth proscenium. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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