presence
noun
pres·ence
ˈpre-zᵊn(t)s 
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
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
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
What began as a late-night wing delivery idea in 1995 has evolved into a significant presence in Texas casual dining.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
El-Sayed's presence in the race also increases the likelihood that AIPAC, a powerful pro-Israel political action committee, will pump millions into the primary to support one of his opponents.
—M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Of course, anything involving exit speeds is greatly affected by the presence of Oneil Cruz.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
But the singer, who died on July 22 at 76, proved to be a surprisingly, compellingly ridiculous presence in front of the camera as the subject, along with his family, of the MTV reality show The Osbournes.
—Matthew Schnipper, Vulture, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for presence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
El-Sayed's presence in the race also increases the likelihood that AIPAC, a powerful pro-Israel political action committee, will pump millions into the primary to support one of his opponents.
—M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Of course, anything involving exit speeds is greatly affected by the presence of Oneil Cruz.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
But the singer, who died on July 22 at 76, proved to be a surprisingly, compellingly ridiculous presence in front of the camera as the subject, along with his family, of the MTV reality show The Osbournes.
—Matthew Schnipper, Vulture, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for presence
Cite this Entry
“Presence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presence. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
presence
noun
pres·ence
ˈprez-ᵊn(t)s
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
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