reign
noun
the period during which a sovereign occupies the throne.
were reigning
-
past progressiveof reign.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.
Arsenal were reigning First Division champions and second in the top flight.
From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2026
The Texas Rangers won their first World Series last fall, an interesting twist considering they were a strike away from winning the title twice in 2011 when the Mavs were reigning NBA champs.
From Seattle Times ● May 31, 2024
Just a few decades later, however, the double, queen and king were reigning supreme.
From Salon ● Jan. 2, 2024
Substitute Leon Bailey struck late on to wrap up an 11th straight league victory at home, Villa's best run since winning 13 in a row when they were reigning European champions in 1983.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2023
While the Fifth and Sixth dynasties were reigning, exploring expeditions were sent into the lands of the Upper Nile.
From Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations by A. H. (Archibald Henry) Sayce
