presence
noun
pres·ence
ˈpre-zᵊn(t)s 
1
: the fact or condition of being present (see present entry 3)
2
a
: the part of space within one's immediate vicinity
b
: the neighborhood of one of superior especially royal rank
3
archaic
: company sense 2a
4
: one that is present: such as
a
: the actual person or thing that is present
b
: something present of a visible or concrete nature
5
6
: something (such as a spirit) felt or believed to be present
Examples of presence in a Sentence
Bacteria sense their neighbors and respond to the presence of others in the colony by exchanging small molecules and bits of proteins called peptides …
—
Susan Gaidos, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009
Though because it is a seaside town, there are more people now that it's summer. … As well, their presence means that our few restaurants—dark through the snowy months—are open now, their lights burning merrily into the summer evenings.
—Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
The two authors suggest that war is better understood as a form of play than as a place of business, that Clausewitzian theory collapses into absurdity in the presence of atomic weapons.
—Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 2007
men should watch their language when in the presence of ladies
the orchestra's musical director has a very stately presence
Susan Gaidos, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009
Though because it is a seaside town, there are more people now that it's summer. … As well, their presence means that our few restaurants—dark through the snowy months—are open now, their lights burning merrily into the summer evenings.
—Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
The two authors suggest that war is better understood as a form of play than as a place of business, that Clausewitzian theory collapses into absurdity in the presence of atomic weapons.
—Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 2007
men should watch their language when in the presence of ladies
the orchestra's musical director has a very stately presence
Recent Examples on the Web
The presence of the unexploded bombs in the Mer Blue Bog is no great surprise.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Castro’s presence allows manager Craig Counsell to find more rest for his regulars and be creative with in-game moves.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025
Despite a presence across Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and more, the accessories retailer was already overextended and struggling with slowing mall traffic, higher interest rates, and tariff pressures.
—Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Castro’s presence allows manager Craig Counsell to find more rest for his regulars and be creative with in-game moves.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025
Despite a presence across Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and more, the accessories retailer was already overextended and struggling with slowing mall traffic, higher interest rates, and tariff pressures.
—Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presence
Cite this Entry
“Presence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presence. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
presence
noun
pres·ence
ˈprez-ᵊn(t)s
1
: the fact or state of being present
no one noticed the stranger's presence
2
: position close to a person
in the presence of a guest
3
: a person's appearance
a stately presence
4
: something felt or believed to be present
a ghostly presence
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