regent

[ ree-juhnt ]

noun

1. a person who exercises the ruling power in a kingdom during the minority, absence, or disability of the sovereign.
2. a ruler or governor.
3. a member of the governing board of a state university or a state educational system.
4. a university officer who exercises general supervision over the conduct and welfare of the students.
5. (in certain Catholic universities) a member of the religious order who is associated in the administration of a school or college with a layperson who is its dean or director.

adjective

1. acting as regent of a country; exercising ruling authority on behalf of a sovereign during their minority, absence, or disability (usually used postpositively):

   a prince regent.

regent

/ ˈriːdʒənt /

noun

1. the ruler or administrator of a country during the minority, absence, or incapacity of its monarch
2. (formerly) a senior teacher or administrator in any of certain universities
3. a member of the governing board of certain schools and colleges
4. rare.
   any person who governs or rules

adjective

1. usually postpositive acting or functioning as a regent

   a queen regent

2. rare.
   governing, ruling, or controlling

Derived Forms

• ˈregental, adjective
• ˈregentship, noun

Other Words From

• regent·al adjective
• regent·ship noun
• sub·regent noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of regent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin regent- (stem of regēns ), present participle of regere “to rule”

Word History and Origins

Origin of regent¹

C14: from Latin regēns ruling, from regere to rule

Example Sentences

He said the Senate was not interested in “fossilized” processes and would welcome reviewing them with the regents.

From Los Angeles Times

Opponents of the weapons request briefly shut down the meeting Thursday, but regents moved to another room and voted approval.

From Los Angeles Times

The issue drew fire from some speakers in public comments at the regents meeting Wednesday at UCLA.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid widespread calls for amnesty in the spring, the University of California regents affirmed that protest violations without consequences were “inconsistent” with UC guidelines.

From Los Angeles Times

Drake’s letters responded to rising criticism from some regents, faculty, campus security, legislators and others that the protests had gotten out of control and UC needed to consistently enforce campus rules around them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ruler