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
April 1, 2024 On the West Coast, another complicating factor is the presence of tall mountains.
—Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
These enigmatic sites carry the visitor back to a time when writing and metal tools were unknown, farming was a still novel idea, and stone monuments established a community’s presence on the landscape.
—Dan Falk, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024
But that’s not to say his presence in the 4-3 scheme was middling.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2024
His presence poses a direct and immediate threat to UCLA, but also to Oregon and Washington as the West Coast quartet enters the Big Ten next season.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024
His presence in the lineup has directly correlated with the Warriors’ 22-10 record since January 31.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024
Rosenheim said the store has since beefed up its security presence.
—Omari Daniels, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Ava’s shortcomings — and her spiky presence on a show initially perceived as Smart’s solo vehicle — led some viewers to outright dislike the character.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024
They’ve been hurt by the city’s actions, and hurt by the presence of migrants.
—Geraldo Cadava, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2024
Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
These enigmatic sites carry the visitor back to a time when writing and metal tools were unknown, farming was a still novel idea, and stone monuments established a community’s presence on the landscape.
—Dan Falk, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024
But that’s not to say his presence in the 4-3 scheme was middling.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2024
His presence poses a direct and immediate threat to UCLA, but also to Oregon and Washington as the West Coast quartet enters the Big Ten next season.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024
His presence in the lineup has directly correlated with the Warriors’ 22-10 record since January 31.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024
Rosenheim said the store has since beefed up its security presence.
—Omari Daniels, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Ava’s shortcomings — and her spiky presence on a show initially perceived as Smart’s solo vehicle — led some viewers to outright dislike the character.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024
They’ve been hurt by the city’s actions, and hurt by the presence of migrants.
—Geraldo Cadava, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near presence
Cite this Entry
“Presence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presence. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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