Meaning & use
reigns
Last updated
Holds royal power as a monarch, or predominates over a particular period, place, or situation.
See it in a sentence
The queen has reigned over the kingdom for more than four decades.
Chaos reigns whenever the printer breaks down at the office.
A note on using this word
Frequently confused with 'reins,' the straps used to control a horse; the two words are homophones with unrelated meanings.
Words with a similar meaning
rulesgovernsprevails
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A period during which a monarch holds power.
The cathedral was built during the reigns of three different kings.
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