presidential
AmericanOther Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of presidential
From the Medieval Latin word praesidentiālis, dating back to 1595–1605. See presidency, -al 1
Explanation
Anything presidential has something to do with a president, or with the office of the presidency. A line of black cars with flashing lights driving down a Washington, DC street is probably the presidential motorcade. In the US, the presidential residence is the White House, and the presidential term is four years. A presidential election can seem like it lasts even longer. You can also use this adjective for things that are typical or appropriate for a president. A presidential wave, whether the president gives it or not, is commanding and confident. And it's well known that candidates who don't look presidential aren't often elected, even if they're more than capable of running the country.
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.
In 2020, he spent $342 million on a brief, unsuccessful presidential campaign.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Peru's presidential election is stuck in a statistical tie, according to an early tally by the pollster Ipsos, echoing previous elections that have dragged on for days or even weeks.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The presidential office said it expects Han to lead the country’s continuing AI transformation and economic-growth efforts.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
Polls opened in Peru's presidential runoff Sunday, with crime and political instability dominating a race to choose the country's ninth leader in a decade.
From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026
“You didn’t miss a word. Between this and your performance with the Metz incident, I wouldn’t be surprised if you get a presidential commendation.”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
