reign
noun
the period during which a sovereign occupies the throne.
had reigned
-
past perfectof reign.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The noise of the crowd that gathered was a marked change from the silence that had reigned over Altadena since January’s firestorm.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2025
This was a moment of celebration for Charles and his supporters, a stark contrast to the day in September when the nation mourned the death of a queen who had reigned for 70 years.
From Seattle Times ● May 6, 2023
The queen's death, at the age of 96, has plunged the nation into mourning for a monarch who had reigned for 70 years.
From Reuters ● Sep. 14, 2022
An uneasy calm had reigned since March, however, after he and the rebels agreed to a truce to allow deliveries of humanitarian aid to Tigray.
From New York Times ● Aug. 24, 2022
“Do you suppose we’ll have to stay down here until we starve to death?” asked Sahwah in an awe-stricken voice, after a terrified hush had reigned for several minutes.
From The Camp Fire Girls Solve a Mystery or, The Christmas Adventure at Carver House by Hildegard G. (Hildegard Gertrude) Frey
