# reigning

/ˈɹeɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪnɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. currently holding a title

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The reigning champion will defend her title in the final match tomorrow.
- The reigning monarch attended the ceremony, marking forty years since her coronation with a speech on national unity.

### 2. ruling or being widespread

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

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

- Silence was reigning in the library until the bell rang.
- 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.

## Examples

- The reigning champion won the match easily.
- The reigning world record holder will compete in the final race tomorrow evening.
- Despite several strong challengers, the reigning monarch maintained a high level of public support throughout the difficult transition period.

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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.