regent

noun

re·​gent ˈrē-jənt How to pronounce regent (audio)
1
: a person who governs a kingdom in the minority, absence, or disability of the sovereign
2
: a person who rules or reigns : governor
3
: a member of a governing board (as of a state university)
regent adjective
regental
ˈrē-jən-tᵊl How to pronounce regent (audio)
adjective

Examples of regent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Huffman left the meeting feeling the regents probably counted on students not fully understanding the finer details of endowments. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024 But tensions started to escalate after some protesters recently demonstrated outside the homes of some regents, including their chair. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for regent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'regent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin regent-, regens, from Latin, present participle of regere to direct — more at right

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regent was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing regent

Dictionary Entries Near regent

Regensburg

regent

regent bird

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Regent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regent. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

regent

noun
re·​gent ˈrē-jənt How to pronounce regent (audio)
1
: a person who governs a kingdom when a monarch is not able to
2
: a member of a governing group (as of a state university)
regent adjective
Etymology

Middle English regent "one who governs," from early French regent or Latin regent-, regens (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin regens, a form of the verb regere "to lead straight, govern, rule" — related to rail entry 1, regulate, rule

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