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
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.
Senators, governors, commissioners, judges, lawyers, regents and even the president of the United States have taken cracks at fixing the problems that engulf college sports. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 As his father aged and his health began to fail in recent years, the prince stepped in as the country’s regent on several occasions. — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 During both periods, his son Haakon acted as regent, fulfilling official state duties. — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2003, then-Prince Haakon assumed the role of regent while King Harald was treated for bladder cancer. — Emma Kershaw, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing regent

Browse Nearby Words

Regensburg
regent
regent bird
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Regent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regent. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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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