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 pressure has led regents and university leaders, including those at Texas A&M University System and Texas Tech University System, to institute new policies limiting how professors can teach about race and gender. —Milla Surjadi, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026

In 2016, Hall, a businessman and a former University of Texas System regent, attempted to open a concrete recycling plant in the same area. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2026

The source familiar with the matter told CNN that the university’s board of regents held a call on Thursday to discuss Manuel’s future. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025

One regent said decisions should be based on more than just numbers. —Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 5 Dec. 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