preside
verb (used without object)
to occupy the place of authority or control, as in an assembly or meeting; act as president or chairperson.
was presiding
-
past progressiveof preside.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
When the genial 77-year-old Albany Law School graduate walked into his courtroom in lower Manhattan last week, he was presiding over a single refund case—involving a filtration company—that no one was watching.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 14, 2026
In fact, another judge, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, took that step in July 2022 when he was presiding over the special grand jury investigation that preceded the indictment in the election case.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 22, 2024
Ms. Bush made inaudible remarks then got up and left the room as Mr. Fallon, who was presiding over the hearing, prepared to gavel the session to an end.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 6, 2023
Rittenband, who was presiding over Polanski’s case, said at the time that the evaluation period would help him reach a fair sentencing decision.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2022
At the Main Deck landing, he went directly over to the Purser’s desk, where a good-looking girl in naval uniform was presiding at the moment.
From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger
