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 When the presiding judge called Özer’s name, Erarslan stood to testify on his behalf, waving a handwritten power of attorney, claiming to be able to represent the missing CEO. Leif Wenar, WIRED, 2 Apr. 2024 In a statement to CNN later on Monday, Rachel Best, press officer for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, said the presiding judge on the case granted The People’s request for bail. Nic Anderson, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024 Sandra wears a suit jacket in court to signal her bisexuality, consistent with the mannish presiding judge (Anne Rotger) and the accusatory court spectators. Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024 In September 2021, the case reached a milestone that similar lawsuits had not, as the presiding judge set a final date to complete the discovery phase. Vernal Coleman, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2024 During the Panther 21 trial, the home of the presiding judge, John M. Murtagh, was firebombed, causing damage but no injuries. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2024 In November, the presiding judge denied the motion. Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The presiding judge of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County later condemned the deputies' behavior. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Marshall Lux, who has served as an NYCB independent director since 2022, was named presiding director, effective immediately, succeeding Hanif Dahya in that role. Hannah Levitt, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preside.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near preside

Cite this Entry

“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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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