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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under the arrangement, WME is required to consult regularly with and report directly to the regents. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Stapleton, who previously served on the board of regents at Eastern Michigan, had been accused of trying to undermine Harbaugh in the past because of bitterness about former coach Brady Hoke’s firing and the process of Harbaugh’s hiring. Austin Meek, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024 The study is still being evaluated by stakeholders and has yet to be officially discussed at a Michigan regents meeting. Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 The bill was introduced on Jan. 29 by Rep. Lesley Smith, a Democrat and former CU regent whose district comprises the university, and is slated to go before a House Education Committee vote Thursday afternoon. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regent

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Regent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regent. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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!