president

[ prez-i-duhnt ]

noun

1. the highest executive officer of a modern republic, as the chief executive of the United States:

   sworn in as the 56th president of Mexico.

2. an officer appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of persons.
3. the chief officer of a college, university, society, corporation, etc.
4. a person who presides.

president

/ ˈprɛzɪdənt; ˌprɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl /

noun

1. often capital the chief executive or head of state of a republic, esp of the US
2. (in the US) the chief executive officer of a company, corporation, etc
3. a person who presides over an assembly, meeting, etc
4. the chief executive officer of certain establishments of higher education

Derived Forms

• ˌpresiˈdentially, adverb
• ˈpresidentˌship, noun
• presidential, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of president¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Latin praesident- (stem of praesidēns ), noun use of present participle of praesidēre “to preside over, sit in front of”; preside, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of president¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin praesidens ruler; see preside

Example Sentences

Before Donald Trump became president, tariffs were a topic largely confined to history books.

From Salon

Turkey’s poor economy is only adding to the problem, argues Murat Erdoğan, a professor of migration studies at Ankara University, who is no relation to the president.

From BBC

At a recent book club meeting, her fellow group members were willing to let her vent about politics for five minutes, but they weren’t interested in discussing ways they could counteract the incoming president.

From Los Angeles Times

Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School District board, who has become a national figure among conservative parents and school leaders, said McMahon’s appointment seems like a strategic move.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump said Oz would work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom the former president nominated last week to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

From Los Angeles Times