preside

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

Synonyms of preside

• rule
• govern

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.

Recent Examples on the Web

The presiding judge in the case expressed doubts about the sweeping authority the Pentagon had wielded in the case. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026

Collins, a former congressman, continues a pattern of only evangelicals presiding at Hegseth’s services. —Tiffany Stanley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

Before any money is disbursed, former presiding Superior Court Judge Daniel Buckley is vetting the firm’s cases and interviewing people whose accounts raise red flags. —Rebecca Ellis follow, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026

The commissioner was presiding. —Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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