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 gray area in the decorum policy, VanderVeen said, gives the presiding officer, often O’Hare, ultimate discretion. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026

The Dandolo family was present at the origins of Venice and played a presiding role as the republic’s early history took shape. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

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

Court records identified Judge Sid Harle as the presiding judge. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 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