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

Harald’s physical health has deteriorated in recent years, requiring Haakon to act as regent on occasion. —Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026

Last April, the school received a $100 million investment from regents to renovate UT’s Biological Laboratories building as the school’s future home. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026

Friday’s announcement followed an extensive review by the university of 5,400 courses after the Texas A&M University System regents in November had approved the new policy. —Juan A. Lozano, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026

To that end, the regents have asked the chancellor to audit every course and ensure full compliance with all applicable laws. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026

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