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

• boss
• captain
• command
• control
• govern
• rule
• sway [archaic]

Examples of preside in a Sentence

Court is now in session, Justice Raul Fernandez presiding.

Recent Examples on the Web

Standing orders for the county’s courtrooms do not permit photography unless authorized by the presiding judge. —Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024

The presiding judge in the case has given preliminary approval of the settlement terms. —Matt Jones, arkansasonline.com, 1 Nov. 2024

The board found Stanley made inappropriate comments to the media about the case, failed to adequately supervise prosecutors, caused discovery violations and launched a retaliatory investigation into the presiding judge. —Max Levy, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024

Shortly after the suit was filed in a Georgia federal court, the presiding judge issued a temporary order blocking the program. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

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

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