# presiding

/pɹiˈzaɪdɪŋ/ (US) · /pɹɪsˈaɪdɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/presiding
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. leading a meeting or court

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to be the person in charge of a formal meeting, a trial, or a ceremony.

For teachers: to exercise formal authority or control over a meeting, judicial proceeding, or official gathering. Often used with the preposition 'over'.

- The judge is presiding over the trial to ensure all legal rules are followed.
- The Chief Justice was presiding over the high-profile appeal, maintaining strict order despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding the case.

Usage: Typically used as 'presiding over' followed by the event or group being managed.

### 2. having the authority to lead

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

having the official power to lead a group or a specific meeting.

For teachers: vested with the authority to lead or exercise control over a specific body or proceeding.

- The presiding officer called for a vote at the end of the debate.
- The presiding bishop delivered the opening address, setting a conciliatory tone for the remainder of the synod.

Usage: Usually placed immediately before the noun it modifies, such as 'presiding judge' or 'presiding officer'.

## Examples

- The judge is presiding over the trial today.
- The senior partner is presiding over the annual board meeting to ensure all agenda items are addressed.
- The Chief Justice is presiding over the landmark case, maintaining strict order in the courtroom while legal teams present their final arguments to the jury.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.