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.
In a wide-ranging interview before the event, Kim — who was appointed in February after holding an interim presidential role — said he leads USC at a time of promise and deep challenges:
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
Party elders once settled on state governors and army generals as presidential nominees.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
BATH, Maine — Election after election, Republican Sen. Susan Collins has defied national political winds to return to office, representing a state that has backed Democrats in every presidential contest since 1992.
From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2026
The BBC identified three of them as part of an elite police unit responsible for presidential protection.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
When asked by friends about his isolation from the presidential councils, Adams halfheartedly endorsed the same constitutional explanation.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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