president
Americannoun
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the highest executive officer of a modern republic, as the chief executive of the United States.
sworn in as the 56th president of Mexico.
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an officer appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of persons.
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the chief officer of a college, university, society, corporation, etc.
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a person who presides.
noun
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(often capital) the chief executive or head of state of a republic, esp of the US
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(in the US) the chief executive officer of a company, corporation, etc
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a person who presides over an assembly, meeting, etc
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the chief executive officer of certain establishments of higher education
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of president
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”; see preside, -ent
Explanation
The president is the person officially in charge — whether it’s of a republic, a company, a college, or a fan club. This is a word for a leader, like the President of the United States or the president of the National Football League Players' Union. Many organizations have presidents, and they're usually elected by members of that group. When it’s followed by a name, the title president gets a capital p, as in President Obama. Whether with a P or p, the job of a president is to preside in a formal or official capacity.
Vocabulary lists containing president
Mexico - Introductory
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Mexico - Middle School
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Mexico - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
President Trump’s planned attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City is prompting a heavy security operation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
"The Secret Service's focus is straightforward: to ensure everyone attending the game can enjoy the game and have a safe experience, while we carry out our responsibility to protect the President of the United States."
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
Another factor may be the presence of President Donald Trump, who is attending Game 3 in New York City.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
US President Donald Trump had recently suggested that a deal might be within reach.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
“I see,” President Davis replied, attentively leaning forward across the desk.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
