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

Last May, multiple student organizations represented by the Council of Islamic and American-Relations sued UT, the UT System regents and Abbott for alleged discrimination against pro-Palestinian views. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

That committee will then offer the regents advice and an evaluation on Davis, consistent with a review that would usually be provided by a presidential search advisory committee. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

With the House settlement, Coyle’s presentation to regents shared that revenue sharing will go to football, men’s hockey, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025

The University of Michigan recently assigned 24-hour security to its regents and executive officers in response to ongoing harassment, property damage and personal threats, The Detroit News reported. —Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 9 July 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