English Reference
adjective · verb

reigning

adj. · v.
US /ˈɹeɪnɪŋ/ UK /ɹˈeɪnɪŋ/ reign·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.currently holding a title or position, especially in sports or a royal family.

    adj.currently ruling or holding a championship title; typically used as an attributive adjective before the noun.

    Simple

    The reigning champion will defend her title in the final match tomorrow.

    In context

    The reigning monarch attended the ceremony, marking forty years since her coronation with a speech on national unity.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    v.the act of ruling as a king or queen, or a feeling that is very common at a certain time.

    v.the present participle of 'reign', denoting the exercise of sovereign power or the prevailing existence of a quality or condition.

    Simple

    Silence was reigning in the library until the bell rang.

    In context

    With chaos reigning in the streets after the power outage, the mayor called for a city-wide curfew to restore order.

    Usage

    When used figuratively to describe a mood or atmosphere, it is often intransitive.

Barcelona are reigning Super Cup champions after beating Real Madrid in the 2026 final.

The Local· 14 Aug 2026

Reigning FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood is the highest placed British player and in a quartet that also includes Jordan Spieth at six under.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated