Definition of reign
1a : royal authority : sovereignty under the reign of the Stuart kingsb : the dominion, sway, or influence of one resembling a monarch the reign of the Puritan ministers
2 : the time during which someone (such as a sovereign) reigns
From the M-W Editors
Examples of reign in a Sentence
She was a popular ruler throughout her reign.
the reign of Queen Elizabeth
his reign as department chairperson
her reign as team president
his reign as heavyweight boxing champion
the reign of digital technology
Origin and Etymology of reign
Middle English regne, from Anglo-French, from Latin regnum, from reg-, rex king — more at royal
Other Government and Politics Terms
reign
Definition of reign
intransitive verb
1a : to possess or exercise sovereign power : ruleb : to hold office as chief of state although possessing little governing power in England the sovereign reigns but does not rule
2 : to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch
3 : to be predominant or prevalent chaos reigned in the classroom
Examples of reign in a Sentence
The king reigned in a time of peace and prosperity.
The lion reigns as king of the jungle.
First Known Use of reign
14th century
Other Government and Politics Terms
REIGN Defined for English Language Learners
reign
playDefinition of reign for English Language Learners
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: the period of time during which a king, queen, emperor, etc., is ruler of a country
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: the period of time during which someone is in charge of a group or organization
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: the period of time during which someone or something is the best or the most important, powerful, etc.
reign
Definition of reign for English Language Learners
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: to rule as a king, queen, emperor, etc.
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: to be the best or the most powerful or important person or thing
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—used to say that a quality exists to such a degree in a place or situation that it affects everything about that place or situation
REIGN Defined for Kids
Definition of reign for Students
1 : the authority or rule of a monarch
2 : the time during which a monarch rules
Definition of reign for Students
reigned
;reigning
1 : to rule as a monarch
2 : to be usual or widespread Enthusiasm reigned in the classroom.
3 : to be the best or most powerful the reigning champions
Learn More about reign
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See words that rhyme with reign Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reign Spanish Central: Translation of reign Nglish: Translation of reign for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of reign for Arabic speakers
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