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

The votes aren’t the determining factor in whether a faculty member receives tenure and promotion; typically the provost makes the final recommendation to the university’s president and board of regents. —Bykatie Langin, science.org, 4 Oct. 2024

While regents shelved action on the issue in January, Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego) pressed forward with the bill, winning overwhelming support for it in the Assembly, 63 to 7, and the Senate, 31 to 8. —Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024

Nessel added her office is still investigating protests outside the homes of some university regents. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2024

Gow has been on paid leave from his faculty position since the regents fired him as chancellor in 2023, shortly after university leaders became aware of the videos that were posted on pornographic websites. —Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024

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