English Reference
noun

regime

n.
US /ɹeɪˈʒim/ UK /ɹeɪʒˈiːm/ regime UK spelling regime's, regime's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a government that has total power and does not allow much freedom.

    a form of government or the administration in power, typically one that is authoritarian or totalitarian in nature.

    Simple

    The old regime was finally overthrown after years of peaceful protests.

    In context

    International observers expressed concern that the military regime would suppress dissent ahead of the upcoming national elections.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic

    a strict or organized way of doing things, like a plan for exercise or work.

    a systematic or regulated way of managing something; a set of rules or a specific method of operation.

    Simple

    The athletes follow a strict training regime to prepare for the competition.

    In context

    The new regulatory regime aims to increase transparency within the financial sector by requiring more frequent reporting from major banks.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Medicine

    a specific plan for food, exercise, or medicine to improve your health.

    a prescribed course of medical treatment, diet, or exercise for the promotion or restoration of health.

    Simple

    The doctor put her on a new drug regime to help manage her blood pressure.

    In context

    Patients who strictly adhered to the daily exercise regime showed significantly faster recovery rates than those in the control group.

    Usage

    Often used interchangeably with 'regimen' in medical contexts.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency TechnicalSlang

    a small group or unit within a large criminal organization.

    a division of a Mafia crime family, typically led by a caporegime.

    Simple

    He was promoted to lead his own regime within the organization.

    In context

    The investigation revealed that the regime was responsible for illegal gambling operations across the city's northern suburbs.

They are the largest and most serious alternative to Aleksandar Vucic’s regime.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

Prior to the performance, Stewart revealed that his fitness regime included underwater swimming , as recommended to him by Frank Sinatra.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

From Middle English regime, regyme, from Middle French regime, from Latin regimen (“direction, government”). Doublet of regimen.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin regimen
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated