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

However, presiding Judge has postponed his sentencing indefinitely following his election win. —Mandy Taheri, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

That would be discussed in due course, the presiding judge responded, and switched off his microphone. —Michelle Weber, Longreads, 12 Nov. 2024

And as William Lauder makes his transition from executive chairman to chair of the board, the position of presiding director held by Charleme Barshefsky will be replaced by a new lead independent director role to be held by Richard Zannino, managing director of CCMP Capital. —Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024

The damage was captured on camera and reviewed by the presiding jury and members of the public alike. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 29 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