1
a
: royal authority : sovereignty
under the reign of the Stuart kings
b
: 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
reigned; reigning; reigns
1
a
: to possess or exercise sovereign power : rule
b
: 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
Noun
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
Verb
The king reigned in a time of peace and prosperity.
The lion reigns as king of the jungle.
Recent Examples on the Web
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Designers explored the full spectrum for spring 2025, and this fall sees the check revival continue its reign.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
On Wednesday night, the 2023 US Open winner and reigning French Open champion hosted a raging New York Fashion Week party to unveil a personalized collection of her favorite clothes and accessories for Miu Miu Select.
—Paul Chi, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reign
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Noun
Akhmadaliev’s title reign ended in April 2023 when Marlon Tapales took a split decision from him in San Antonio, Texas.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Designers explored the full spectrum for spring 2025, and this fall sees the check revival continue its reign.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
The reigning Olympic and world champion Lyles hasn’t been perfect in 2025, either.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
On Wednesday night, the 2023 US Open winner and reigning French Open champion hosted a raging New York Fashion Week party to unveil a personalized collection of her favorite clothes and accessories for Miu Miu Select.
—Paul Chi, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reign
Cite this Entry
“Reign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reign. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reign
1 of 2 noun1
: the authority or rule of a monarch
2
: the time during which a monarch reigns
reign
2 of 2 verb1
: to govern as a monarch
2
: to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch
3
: to be usual or widespread
silence reigned
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