presidential
AmericanOther Word 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.
Michelle Obama, clearly on Hokit’s mind on Sunday, was busy with other matters over the weekend: preparing with her husband to open their Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2026
Many years later, in 2013, you were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026
We also delve into the questions facing American capitalism and take a peek at the Obama Presidential Center and the summer’s buzziest movies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
She is continuing to work despite the diagnosis, and will be joining the White House's new advisory council on AI, the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
A bellman retrieved their backpacks from the car and led them to Benji’s Presidential Suite on the top floor.
From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty
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.
