president

[ prez-i-duhnt ]

noun

1. the highest executive officer of a modern republic, as the chief executive of the United States:

   sworn in as the 56th president of Mexico.

2. an officer appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of persons.
3. the chief officer of a college, university, society, corporation, etc.
4. a person who presides.

president

/ ˈprɛzɪdənt; ˌprɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl /

noun

1. often capital the chief executive or head of state of a republic, esp of the US
2. (in the US) the chief executive officer of a company, corporation, etc
3. a person who presides over an assembly, meeting, etc
4. the chief executive officer of certain establishments of higher education

Derived Forms

• ˌpresiˈdentially, adverb
• ˈpresidentˌship, noun
• presidential, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of president¹

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”; preside, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of president¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin praesidens ruler; see preside

Example Sentences

The president’s explanation might sound familiar to anyone who has listened to Donald Trump rail against America’s system of justice in recent years.

From BBC

In explaining his controversial action — which came weeks before the president’s son was to be sentenced by federal judges on both coasts — Biden claimed his son was the victim of unfair political attacks.

From Los Angeles Times

The president has repeatedly claimed he would not pardon his son.

From Salon

In a statement, the president said his son had been "singled out" and called his cases "a miscarriage of justice".

From BBC

However, the director serves at the discretion of the president, and Wray could easily be forced out by Trump, the man who appointed him in 2017.

From Salon