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 museum system is a public-private partnership and overseen by a board of regents made up of the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, the vice president, three U.S. senators, three U.S. representatives and nine citizens. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Marie Caroline is the second child and only daughter of Prince Alois, the longtime regent of Liechtenstein, and his wife, Princess Sophie. —Janine Henni, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

That full expansion plan, however, is pending approval by the university’s board of regents. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2025

Jim Martin is a former University of Colorado regent. —Jim Martin, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2025

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