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 adjective

Examples of regent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That's not to mention speaking with donors, regents and fans, a focus on academics and compliance, maintaining an open line of communication with the AD and the president − oh, and that one thing that's pretty big these days, NIL. Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press, 27 Jan. 2024 In our examination of the Sun Devils and Wildcats in late January, the Hotline noted a marked difference in university support for athletics between two schools within the same university system — two schools with the same board of regents. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 But if four of the five regents ruling Japan are against Toranaga, the chances of his survival are even grimmer than those of the Dutch and English sailors. Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Ashley Scoggin named the school’s board of regents, coach Amy Williams, athletic director Trev Alberts and former assistant coach Chuck Love Jr. as defendants in her federal lawsuit. David K. Li, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2024 Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, the former queen regent, is 86. Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024 Barbara Stein: That was a sticking point for the university and the regents. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 4 Jan. 2024 Among those in attendance Tuesday night was billionaire entrepreneur Bill Gates, who is dating philanthropist Paula Hurd, a member of Baylor's board of regents and the widow of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. Stephen Hawkins, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2024 One regent, Lord Yoshii Toranaga (producer Hiroyuki Sanada), an aging war hero based in Edo, has fallen out with the other four, who are intimidated by his growing power and independence. TIME, 7 Feb. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near regent

Cite this Entry

“Regent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regent. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on regent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!