preside

verb

pre·​side pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio)
presided; presiding

intransitive verb

1
: to exercise guidance, direction, or control
2
a
: to occupy the place of authority : act as president, chairperson, or moderator
b
: to occupy a position similar to that of a president or chairperson
3
: to occupy a position of featured instrumental performer
usually used with at
presided at the organ
presider noun

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.
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.
The presiding judge ordered Allen to three months of unsupervised probation and entered an order withholding judgment, meaning that Allen is eligible to have his conviction set aside and his case dismissed if the terms of his sentencing are satisfied. Rose Evans updated May 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2026 Cook County Judge Thomas Lyons, presiding judge of the Law Division, granted a motion from the city of Chicago to split the trial in two, severing the claims of negligent hiring by the city from the allegations around the shooting by Officer Eric Stillman. Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Brazil’s Minister of Culture executive secretary Márcio Tavares will preside the meeting, as the hosting country currently holds the Forum’s temporary presidency. Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 26 May 2026 And the template over which Coach Joel Quenneville presided with the Chicago Blackhawks – which ultimately resulted in three Stanley Cup titles for that franchise – seems firmly in place in Orange County. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for preside

Word History

Etymology

Latin praesidēre to guard, preside over, from prae- + sedēre to sit — more at sit

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preside was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

preside

verb
pre·​side pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio)
presided; presiding
1
: to be in the place of authority : act as president, chairperson, or moderator
preside over a meeting
2
: to be in charge

Legal Definition

preside

intransitive verb
pre·​side pri-ˈzīd How to pronounce preside (audio)
presided; presiding
1
: to exercise guidance, direction, or control
2
: to occupy the place of authority : direct or regulate proceedings as chief officer

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