governing

adjective

gov·​ern·​ing ˈgə-vər-niŋ How to pronounce governing (audio)
: serving to govern: such as
a
: directing and making decisions for a country, organization, etc.
the country's governing [=ruling] party/coalition
a five-member governing board/council
Event managers must always pay close attention to regulations, such as local and sports governing bodies' regulations …Anastasia Nisenbaum
b
: directing or guiding the actions of someone or something
It's our … governing principle to treat people with dignity and with respect.Cheryl Prichard, quoted in The Dominion Post (Morgantown, West Virginia)
… an effort to cleanse the International [architectural] style of its nonfunctional design elements and return to the principle of necessity as the governing factor.The Encyclopedia of American Art
especially : guiding the ideas, actions, decisions, etc. of a political leader or body
Some of the basic principles that Romans articulated as governing principles for their republic are principles that later republics adopted. Edward Watts
… the candidates … displayed sharp contrasts in their governing philosophy. Pat Bradley

see also self-governing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of govern

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of governing was in 1534

Dictionary Entries Near governing

Cite this Entry

“Governing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/governing. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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