presence

noun

pres·​ence ˈpre-zᵊn(t)s 

1

: the fact or condition of being present (see present entry 3)

2

a

: the part of space within one's immediate vicinity

b

: the neighborhood of one of superior especially royal rank

3

archaic : company sense 2a

4

: one that is present: such as

a

: the actual person or thing that is present

b

: something present of a visible or concrete nature

5

a

: the bearing, carriage, or air of a person

especially : stately or distinguished bearing

b

: a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness

the actor's commanding presence

6

: something (such as a spirit) felt or believed to be present

Synonyms of presence

• proximity
• sight
• company

Examples of presence in a Sentence

Bacteria sense their neighbors and respond to the presence of others in the colony by exchanging small molecules and bits of proteins called peptides … —Susan Gaidos, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009

Though because it is a seaside town, there are more people now that it's summer.  … As well, their presence means that our few restaurants—dark through the snowy months—are open now, their lights burning merrily into the summer evenings. —Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008

The two authors suggest that war is better understood as a form of play than as a place of business, that Clausewitzian theory collapses into absurdity in the presence of atomic weapons. —Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 2007

men should watch their language when in the presence of ladies

the orchestra's musical director has a very stately presence

Recent Examples on the Web

Underneath the friendly little pixel clock, though, the presence of an ESP32 makes things interesting, and Ulanzi has done something rather unusual. — New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026

The Sun conjoins Mercury in Virgo and your 1st House of Self, sharpening your voice, presence, choices, and personal direction. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Given these fraught geopolitics, Taiwan’s presence at major international exhibitions has repeatedly prompted controversy and marginalization. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

The project should create about 22,000 jobs and give Saudi investors a clear presence in France’s entertainment sector. — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see present entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing presence

• commanding presence
• grace with one's presence
• in someone's presence
• in the presence of (someone)
• make one's presence felt/heard/known
• presence of mind
• real presence
• screen presence
• stage presence

Rhymes for presence

• pleasance
• omnipresence

Kids Definition

presence

noun

pres·​ence ˈprez-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the fact or state of being present

no one noticed the stranger's presence

2

: position close to a person

in the presence of a guest

3

: a person's appearance

a stately presence

4

: something felt or believed to be present

a ghostly presence