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 that year, Democrats had been trounced in three straight presidential elections.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
It comes at a time when Newsom is wrapping up his final year as California governor and considering a presidential run in 2028.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
The original 2018 contract was to modify and outfit two 747-8 aircraft for presidential use.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
The Democratic Party has changed in the two years since her presidential campaign.
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2026
Before 1880, presidential candidates did not directly campaign for themselves.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
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.
