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
He has announced plans for a Trump Presidential Library in Miami featuring its own Oval Office and an Air Force One jet.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
Presidential health has come under enhanced scrutiny as Americans have selected elderly leaders.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
Esteban Trueba and the other landowners in the area gathered in their club to plan political strategy for the upcoming Presidential elections.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
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.
