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

“I am just shocked that in 2024 we have a report which alleges extensive antisemitism affecting Jewish students, faculty and staff at really one of the most prestigious universities in the world,” said Regent Rich Leib.

From Los Angeles Times

At UC, Student Regent Josiah Beharry expressed irritation that the state may not honor its funding commitments.

From Los Angeles Times

In December 2011 he and another man, Garreth Foster, were sentenced to 10 years in prison for deliberately setting fire to Hanley’s Regent Road mosque.

From BBC

That occurred when Queen Elizabeth II died when filming was about to begin for what turned out to be an incredible number set on London’s Regent Street.

From Los Angeles Times

A cordon covering Frogmore Street, Regent Street, Princes Street and Baker Street is expected to remain in place for some time.

From BBC

Related Words

• ruler