presence

noun

pres·​ence ˈpre-zᵊn(t)s How to pronounce presence (audio)
1
: the fact or condition of being present (see present entry 3)
2
a
: the part of space within one's immediate vicinity
b
: the neighborhood of one of superior especially royal rank
3
archaic : company sense 2a
4
: one that is present: such as
a
: the actual person or thing that is present
b
: something present of a visible or concrete nature
5
a
: the bearing, carriage, or air of a person
especially : stately or distinguished bearing
b
: a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness
the actor's commanding presence
6
: something (such as a spirit) felt or believed to be present

Examples of presence in a Sentence

Bacteria sense their neighbors and respond to the presence of others in the colony by exchanging small molecules and bits of proteins called peptides … Susan Gaidos, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009
Though because it is a seaside town, there are more people now that it's summer.  … As well, their presence means that our few restaurants—dark through the snowy months—are open now, their lights burning merrily into the summer evenings. Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
The two authors suggest that war is better understood as a form of play than as a place of business, that Clausewitzian theory collapses into absurdity in the presence of atomic weapons. Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 2007
men should watch their language when in the presence of ladies the orchestra's musical director has a very stately presence
Recent Examples on the Web And the judge did not feel comments Hill made in the presence of the jury affected its guilty verdict. Dakin Andone, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024 The entire project is a practice in presence, solidifying Lenker’s beliefs the very moment they’re born, taken as truth. Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2024 This addition will reinforce the eastern region of the alliance and increase NATO’s presence around the Baltic Sea. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024 The responders forced entry into the apartment after five more minutes of knocking and announcing their presence, with fire department personnel using a breach tool to pry open the door, the fire department said in the release. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2024 That often fruitful tension between outsiders and insiders can tip out of balance in the presence of what Marshall calls a forceful stylist. Lucy Alexander, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2024 One official said that despite the public statement, the Nigerien government has not offered the private, technical communications that would force the U.S. presence out of the country. Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Chief Bailey was there when Swanson died Looking back, Hampton remembers the persistent presence in the community of current IMPD Chief Christopher Bailey, the North District Commander at the time of Swanson's death in 2015. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Mar. 2024 Intel’s funding from the act was announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce on Wednesday (Mar. 20), and will support the chipmaker’s plans to expand its U.S. semiconductor presence with chipmaking plants in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon over the next 5 years. Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 22 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'presence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see present entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of presence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near presence

Cite this Entry

“Presence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presence. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

presence

noun
pres·​ence ˈprez-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce presence (audio)
1
: the fact or state of being present
no one noticed the stranger's presence
2
: position close to a person
in the presence of a guest
3
: a person's appearance
a stately presence
4
: something felt or believed to be present
a ghostly presence

More from Merriam-Webster on presence

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