# regent

/ˈɹidʒənt/ (US) · /ɹˈiːdʒənt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. ruling for a monarch

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

someone who rules a country while the monarch is unable to do so, for example, because they are a child.

For teachers: a person appointed to govern a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated.

- Since the prince was only five years old, his mother acted as regent until he grew up.
- The council appointed the Duke as regent during the King's prolonged illness, granting him full executive powers until the monarch's recovery.

Usage: Often used as a title before a name or following a noun in a formal capacity.

### 2. university governor

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Formal

a member of the governing board of a university or college.

For teachers: a member of a governing board of a higher education institution or certain civic bodies.

- The Board of Regents met to discuss the university's budget for the next year.
- The university regents voted unanimously to approve the construction of the new research facility despite the projected deficit.

Usage: Commonly used in the plural form 'Board of Regents'.

### 3. acting as a ruler

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

describes someone who is currently ruling or acting as a regent.

For teachers: acting as a regent; exercising vicarious authority on behalf of a sovereign.

- The queen regent signed the new law while the king was away at war.
- In her capacity as princess regent, she maintained the diplomatic stability of the realm during the interregnum.

Usage: Usually follows the noun it modifies, such as 'Prince Regent' or 'Queen Regent'.

## Examples

- The prince was only five, so his mother acted as regent.
- During the king's long illness, the council appointed his eldest son as regent to manage the kingdom's daily affairs.
- The history of the Regency era is defined by the period when George IV served as regent while his father was deemed unfit to rule.

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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.