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

The presiding judge has asked Beach-Mathura and the city to provide a status update Jan. 31. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025

The presiding judge commuted the rapper’s sentence to time served and suspended the remaining four years on conditions that included Gunna completing 500 hours of community service. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Dec. 2024

The shocking courtroom assault took place during a sentencing hearing presided by District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

But the presiding judge insisted on linking the two — twice asking him whether Forissier’s efforts contributed to the conviction. —Brooke Seipel, Fortune Europe, 4 Dec. 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