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

Synonyms of preside

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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 ballet became a hilarious parody of Wagnerian cliches as a cartwheeling child wearing sneakers with rainbow lights and dressed in gold, resembling statues of the composer, presided in front of a faux Bayreuth proscenium. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 The duo presided overan unorthodox two-anchor program that ceded viewers, and, eventually, ratings. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 The first would be a special session, which can be convened by Pritzker or a joint proclamation by the presiding officers of both chambers of the General Assembly. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 The rulings by Judge Sweeney, who presides in Colorado, came in Wisne et al. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing preside

Rhymes for preside

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Browse Nearby Words

preshrink
preside
presidence
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Cite this Entry

“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on preside

Nglish: Translation of preside for Spanish Speakers

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