plural reigns
1
: the period of time during which a king, queen, emperor, etc., is ruler of a country
She was a popular ruler throughout her reign.
the reign of Queen Elizabeth
2
: the period of time during which someone is in charge of a group or organization
his reign as department chairperson
her reign as team president
3
: the period of time during which someone or something is the best or the most important, powerful, etc.
his reign as heavyweight boxing champion
the reign of digital technology
reigns; reigned; reigning
1
: to rule as a king, queen, emperor, etc.
The king reigned in a time of peace and prosperity.
—often + overShe reigned over her kingdom for many decades.
2
: to be the best or the most powerful or important person or thing
The lion reigns as king of the jungle.
As a director, he still reigns supreme. [=he is still the best]
3
—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
Silence reigns in the old library's dusty aisles.
Chaos reigned in the city [=chaos was everywhere in the city] after the military coup.
Cite this Entry
“Reign.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reign. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
