pres·i·dent / ˈprez(ə)dənt; ˈprezəˌdent/ • n. 1. the elected head of a republican state: the Irish president | [as title] President Khrushchev. ∎  the head of a society, council, or other organization: the president of the European Community. ∎  the head of a college or university. ∎  the head of a company.2. Christian Church the celebrant at a Eucharist.DERIVATIVES: pres·i·den·tial / ˌprezəˈdenchəl/ adj.pres·i·den·tial·ly / ˌprezəˈdenchəlē/ adv.pres·i·dent·ship / -ˌship/ n. ( archaic )

president Usual title for the head of a republic. In the USA, the president is elected by voters (through the electoral college) for a term of four years and not exceeding two terms. The president is supreme military commander, appoints Supreme Court justices, ambassadors, and other high officials, has the authority to make treaties with foreign countries (with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate), grants pardons and vetoes legislation. A system of checks and balances limits presidential power.