regime

noun

re·​gime rā-ˈzhēm How to pronounce regime (audio)
ri-,
 also  ri-ˈjēm
variants or less commonly régime
1
b
: a regular pattern of occurrence or action (as of seasonal rainfall)
c
: the characteristic behavior or orderly procedure of a natural phenomenon or process
2
a
: mode of rule or management
b
: a form of government
a socialist regime
c
: a government in power
d
: a period of rule

Examples of regime in a Sentence

The new regime is sure to fall. Under the new regime, all workers must file a weekly report. He was put on a strict exercise regime.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Retribution, division, grievance—this is the official language of the regime. David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025 However, the inaugural festival has quickly gained controversy for its association with Saudi Arabia and the country's authoritarian regime. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 Since then, the administration has, while declining to publicly state its position as regime change, signaled clear interest in removing Maduro from power. Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Eight out of 10 people who don’t support the regime said their relatives in the United States would likely return if the country held democratic elections and chose a new president. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regime

Word History

Etymology

French régime, from Old French regimen, regime, from Late Latin regimin-, regimen

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of regime was in 1776

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Regime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regime. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

regime

noun
re·​gime
variants also régime
1
b
: a regular pattern of doing something
2
a
: a method of rule or management
b
: a form of government or administration
especially : a governmental or social system
c
: a period of rule of a regime

Medical Definition

regime

noun
re·​gime
rā-ˈzhēm, ri- also ri-ˈjēm

Legal Definition

regime

noun
re·​gime
rā-ˈzhēm, ri-
: a system of principles, rules, or regulations for administration (as of property)
the mandatory consecutive sentencing regimePeople v. Garcia, 642 N.E.2d 1077 (1994)
community property regime
used especially in the civil law of Louisiana

Note: Under the Louisiana Civil Code there are various regimes for various types of property, such as community or separate property. These regimes, while usually established by the law, may also be modified or created by agreement of the parties.

More from Merriam-Webster on regime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!