regent

noun

re·​gent ˈrē-jənt 

1

: a person who governs a kingdom in the minority, absence, or disability of the sovereign

2

: a person who rules or reigns : governor

3

: a member of a governing board (as of a state university)

regent adjective

regental

ˈrē-jən-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of regent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pressure on the regents to quickly decide on the future of the SAT has grown since early this summer. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Sixteen former University of Michigan men's hockey players were subjected to hazing and sexualized abuse as first-year members of the program, according to a federal lawsuit against the university and its board of regents. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

The first reigning queen of Japan, Suiko ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 593 CE and presided over a flowering of Buddhism under her regent, Prince Shotoku. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 9 Sep. 2026

Raver was selected by the U-M Board of Regents after a national search that started in May, and the regents' selection of Raver was first announced in August. — Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin regent-, regens, from Latin, present participle of regere to direct — more at right

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing regent

• vice-regent

Kids Definition

regent

noun

re·​gent ˈrē-jənt 

1

: a person who governs a kingdom when a monarch is not able to

2

: a member of a governing group (as of a state university)

regent adjective

Etymology

Middle English regent "one who governs," from early French regent or Latin regent-, regens (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin regens, a form of the verb regere "to lead straight, govern, rule" — related to rail entry 1, regulate, rule