reigning
reigning Lexical Profile
reigning Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Currently holding a specific championship, title, or preeminent status, especially in sports or competitions.
"As the reigning world champion, she entered the tournament as the clear favorite."
Currently occupying the throne or exercising sovereign rule as a monarch.
"The ceremonial parade was held in honor of the country's reigning monarch."
Predominant, widespread, or most influential at the present time.
"The reigning orthodoxy in economic theory was challenged by a new generation of scholars."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'reigning' (currently ruling or holding a title) with its homophones 'reining' (controlling with straps, as in 'reining in expenses') and 'raining' (precipitating water).
• Rhymes for reigning
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the verb 'reign', which entered Middle English via Old French 'regner', from Latin 'regnare' ('to rule, be king'), ultimately rooted in 'rex' ('king').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.