To preside means to be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, or organization. When someone presides over something, they lead it, make sure things run smoothly, and have the authority to make decisions about how it proceeds.

A judge presides over a courtroom trial, calling on lawyers to speak and making rulings on what evidence can be used. The principal might preside over a school assembly, welcoming everyone and introducing speakers. In a family meeting, a parent might preside, making sure everyone gets a turn to talk and helping the family reach decisions together.

When you preside over something, you're the one keeping things organized and moving forward, with authority that goes beyond regular participation.

Someone who presides needs to be fair, pay attention, and make good judgments about what should happen next. If you preside over your club's meetings, you might call the meeting to order, recognize who gets to speak, and guide discussions so everyone's voice is heard. The person presiding has real responsibility: their decisions shape how the whole event unfolds.