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
6
: something (such as a spirit) felt or believed to be present
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
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
Adding to the amenities here is the presence of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a waterfront resort with an array of accommodations, its own spa, and myriad dining options.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
The movement also points to San Jose State volleyball player Blair Fleming, whose presence on the court sparked national controversy and prompted opponents to forfeit matches over safety concerns and the integrity of the women’s category.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
During the game, the camera highlighted the couple, and their daughters quickly took the opportunity to make their presence known by waving towards the big screen, per E!
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy political dynasty who is known for his unusual social media presence, is running for a coveted seat in Manhattan.
—Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for presence
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Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
The movement also points to San Jose State volleyball player Blair Fleming, whose presence on the court sparked national controversy and prompted opponents to forfeit matches over safety concerns and the integrity of the women’s category.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
During the game, the camera highlighted the couple, and their daughters quickly took the opportunity to make their presence known by waving towards the big screen, per E!
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy political dynasty who is known for his unusual social media presence, is running for a coveted seat in Manhattan.
—Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for presence
Cite this Entry
“Presence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presence. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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