presided; presiding
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
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, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024
On September 2, 2024, a bail application hearing for Tigran was adjourned to September 4 by the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite.
—Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024
At the time a spokesperson for the Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed to ABC News that if King's guilty plea is accepted by the presiding judge he would be sentenced King pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2024
My father, Frank Griswold, served as the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church from 1998 to 2006.
—Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for preside 
Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024
On September 2, 2024, a bail application hearing for Tigran was adjourned to September 4 by the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite.
—Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024
At the time a spokesperson for the Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed to ABC News that if King's guilty plea is accepted by the presiding judge he would be sentenced King pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2024
My father, Frank Griswold, served as the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church from 1998 to 2006.
—Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for preside
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preside.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near preside
Cite this Entry
“Preside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preside. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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