reign Definition
- 1to rule as a queen or king
- 2a period of time during which someone rules as a queen or king
Using reign: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reign" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for over 68 years.
Example
The reign of King Henry VIII was marked by political and religious turmoil.
Example
The team's reign as champions came to an end this year.
Example
He was determined to reign supreme in the business world.
reign Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using reign
Example
The manager gave her employees free reign to come up with new ideas for the project.
reign supreme
to be the most powerful or successful
Example
Their team has reigned supreme in the league for the past three years.
a period of time during which someone rules as a queen or king that is shorter than usual
Example
King Edward VIII's reign was a short one, lasting only 326 days.
Phrases with reign
a period of violence and fear during which a government or other group uses extreme measures to control people
Example
The country experienced a reign of terror under the dictator's regime.
Example
The company had to reign in their spending to avoid bankruptcy.
Example
Queen Victoria's reign was the longest in British history.
Origins of reign
from Old French 'regner', from Latin 'regnare', meaning 'to reign'
Summary: reign in Brief
The verb 'reign' [reɪn] means to rule as a queen or king, while the noun refers to a period of such rule. The term is often used in historical contexts, such as 'The reign of King Henry VIII,' but also in contemporary contexts, like 'The team's reign as champions.' Phrases like 'reign of terror' and idioms like 'give free reign' extend the term's meaning to periods of extreme control or freedom.
