preside

verb

pre·​side pri-ˈzīd 

presided; presiding

intransitive verb

1

: to exercise guidance, direction, or control

2

a

: to occupy the place of authority : act as president, chairman, or moderator

b

: to occupy a position similar to that of a president or chairman

3

: to occupy a position of featured instrumental performer

—usually used with at

presided at the organ

presider noun

Synonyms

• rule
• govern

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.

Recent Examples on the Web

The presiding judge granted Sweeney's attorney's request to change the charge to second-degree murder or manslaughter as the court lacked sufficient evidence to try him for first-degree murder since predetermination was not established. —Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

Judge Vincent Giardino presided at the trial. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025

Unlike previous courtroom appearances, in which Bell presided as judge, the 67-year-old former federal prosecutor will serve as mediator. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025

During the 2024 sentencing, the presiding judge argued that Lorincz acted more out of anger than fear. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preside

• preside over

Rhymes for preside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

preside

verb

pre·​side pri-ˈzīd 

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 

presided; presiding

1

: to exercise guidance, direction, or control

2

: to occupy the place of authority : direct or regulate proceedings as chief officer