regent

noun

re·​gent ˈrē-jənt 

1

: a person who governs a kingdom in the minority, absence, or disability of the sovereign

2

: a person who rules or reigns : governor

3

: a member of a governing board (as of a state university)

regent adjective

regental

ˈrē-jən-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of regent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this week, the regents unanimously voted to send requests to the NCAA and the National Junior College Athletic Association. —Fox News, 10 Oct. 2024

The job offer McElroy had accepted was rescinded when some regents complained that her political views were too liberal. —John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 1 July 2024

Perhaps Cal State has awaited action by the regents before moving. —Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024

The report — which drew upon emails between UCLA police, UCLA administrators, UC President Michael V. Drake and UC regents — followed explosive committee hearings in the last year that contributed to the resignations of presidents of Harvard, Columbia, Rutgers and the University of Pennsylvania. —Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin regent-, regens, from Latin, present participle of regere to direct — more at right

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing regent

• vice-regent

Kids Definition

regent

noun

re·​gent ˈrē-jənt 

1

: a person who governs a kingdom when a monarch is not able to

2

: a member of a governing group (as of a state university)

regent adjective

Etymology

Middle English regent "one who governs," from early French regent or Latin regent-, regens (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin regens, a form of the verb regere "to lead straight, govern, rule" — related to rail entry 1, regulate, rule