reign

1 of 2

noun

ˈrān 

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

reign

2 of 2

verb

reigned; reigning; reigns

intransitive verb

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

Synonyms of reign

Noun

• dominion
• domination
• dominance
• supremacy
• sovereignty

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

Noun

It's been nearly a decade since the crown braid’s last reign, when Pinterest boards were overflowing with milkmaid vibes, flower crowns, and a burgeoning festival-fashion culture. — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Aug. 2026

Miami’s ultra-exclusive Fisher Island has been dethroned as the nation’s most expensive ZIP code after a two-year reign. — Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

One of the top contenders for the AA title, reigning Pan American floor champion Claire Pease opened her night on floor exercise. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

What was a surprise was the relatively minor amount the Dodgers had to give up to acquire the reigning two-time AL Cy Young Award winner. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English regne, from Anglo-French, from Latin regnum, from reg-, rex king — more at royal

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing reign

• reigned supreme
• reign of terror
• reign supreme

Rhymes for reign

• ane
• bane
• blain
• brain
• cane
• chaine
• cheyne
• deign
• drain
• fain
• fane
• feign

Kids Definition

reign

1 of 2 noun

ˈrān 

1

: the authority or rule of a monarch

2

: the time during which a monarch reigns

reign

2 of 2 verb

1

: to govern as a monarch

2

: to exercise authority in the manner of a monarch

3

: to be usual or widespread

silence reigned