WordGarden.ioreign
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈeɪn/
US
- /ˈreɪn/
Meanings
Noun
the period during which a monarch rules
a period during which someone or something remains dominant or holds a title
Verb
to rule as a king, queen, or other sovereign
to be dominant, widespread, or in control in a situation
Beyond the definition
A reign is the time when a king, queen, or other ruler holds power. Think of Queen Elizabeth II: her reign lasted more than 70 years. The word can also be used in a wider, figurative way. If one team reigns in a sport, it stays on top for a time. If silence reigned in a room, silence completely filled that moment.
So the word often points to a period of control, power, or strong influence. It can describe a real ruler, but it can also describe a mood, a condition, or a person or thing that is clearly in charge.
To reign means to hold and exercise sovereign power or authority. Traditionally, it refers specifically to the period during which a monarch (king, queen, emperor) rules—"The reign of King Arthur is filled with legend." We talk about the length of a reign, its successes, or its challenges. For example: "Her reign was marked by peace and prosperity."
However, "reign" isn't limited to royalty. It can be used figuratively to describe any period where someone or something has dominant control or influence. A particularly talented athlete might reign as champion for several years. A certain fashion trend could reign supreme for a season.
The word carries a sense of authority, often absolute and unchallenged. If you say "Terror reigned in the city after the earthquake," it means fear and chaos were completely dominant. It suggests a period where something holds sway over everything else.
Interestingly, "reign" can be used as both a noun (the period of power) and a verb meaning to rule or prevail. "Justice must reign" is a powerful statement about the ideal state of society.
So, whether you're discussing historical monarchs, athletic dominance, or abstract concepts like fear or justice, "reign" speaks to power, control, and the duration of influence—a period where something holds supreme authority.
Examples
- 1
Royal rule
Queen Elizabeth II reigned for more than seventy years.
- 2
Rule over
For centuries, that family reigned over the region.
- Patternreign over + place/people
rule that place or those people
- 3
Time in power
During his reign, the city grew into an important trading center.
- 4
Market leadership
For years, the company reigned supreme in the smartphone market.
- Phrasereign supreme
be the strongest or most successful
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Silent room
After the announcement, silence reigned in the room.
- Phrasesilence reigned
the whole place was silent
- 6
Crisis atmosphere
In the early days of the crisis, fear and confusion reigned.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- during the reign of
- long reign
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reignnounverb
Forms
- reignspluralnounverb
- reigning-ing formverbnoun
- reignedpast tenseverbnoun