regent

noun re·gent \ ˈrē-jənt \

Definition of regent

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)

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regent

adjective

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regental

play \-jən-tᵊl\ adjective

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Recent Examples of regent from the Web

John Nielsen-Gammon is the regents professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University.

— john nielsen-gammon, Fortune, "Why Harvey Is So Much Worse Than Anyone Predicted," 29 Aug. 2017
It was widely believed that his uncle, who had stepped in as de facto regent when Kim’s father had a stroke in 2008, was really the one in charge.

— michael holtz, The Christian Science Monitor, "How Kim rules: What the North Korean leader's unexpected directions for his country mean for the US," 28 Aug. 2017
Nebraska (Adidas): 11 years, $128 million, $11.6 million/year The school's board of regents just approved the Cornhuskers' new contract extension with Adidas a few weeks ago, making them the apparel company's top client behind U of L. 6.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Where does Louisville's new Adidas deal rank among college program sponsorships?," 25 Aug. 2017
UT was influenced in its early days by sympathizers with the Confederacy, including George Littlefield, a Confederate officer, UT regent and benefactor who nearly 100 years ago commissioned the various statues.

— drew broach, NOLA.com, "Secret Service running out of money protecting Trump family: report," 21 Aug. 2017
The parties agreed on $100,000—the highest amount the university can approve without taking the case to the board of regents.

— victoria stern, Science | AAAS, "Why would a university pay a scientist found guilty of misconduct to leave?," 31 July 2017
Here's the suit that names Lobo Properties, Learfield and the university's board of regents as defendants.

— The Hive, "Is the Media Overhyping the Trump-Russia Scandal?," 14 July 2017
Consultants also recommended that the system’s board of governors be replaced by a board of regents with no ties to politics or governance at individual universities.

— susan snyder, Philly.com, "School report draws criticism, praise," 14 July 2017
The regents passed a similar resolution in December 2015.

— karen herzog, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "UW regents set 'guidepost' for free speech on campuses that does not include penalties," 7 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'regent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of regent

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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REGENT Defined for English Language Learners

regent

noun

Definition of regent for English Language Learners

: a person who rules a kingdom when the king or queen is not able to rule because he or she is sick, too young, etc.

REGENT Defined for Kids

regent

noun re·gent \ ˈrē-jənt \

Definition of regent for Students

:a person who temporarily governs a kingdom in place of a monarch

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regent

regental

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REGENT Defined for English Language Learners

regent

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