plural noun
Gifts that you give someone on a special occasion or to show affection.
/ˈpʰɹɛ.zn̩ts/Plural noun
The children opened their presents after dinner.
Her birthday presents were on the table.
American English
How to pronounce presents
noun · verbB1Very common word
PʰREHznts
/ˈpʰɹɛ.zn̩ts/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of present
Gifts that you give someone on a special occasion or to show affection.
What to listen for
The plural noun meaning gifts has first-syllable stress. The usual verb pronunciation starts with pruh-. Pree- is also accepted. Both have stress on the second syllable.
Plural noun/ˈpʰɹɛ.zn̩ts/
Standard verb pronunciation/pʰɹəˈzɛnts/
Accepted verb alternative/pʰɹiˈzɛnts/
Meanings & examples
third-person singular verb
Shows or explains an idea, plan, or information to other people.
/pʰɹəˈzɛnts/Standard verb pronunciation/pʰɹiˈzɛnts/Accepted verb alternative
She presents her ideas clearly.
The professor presents the material in an engaging way.
third-person singular verb
Officially gives something, especially a prize or award, to someone.
/pʰɹəˈzɛnts/Standard verb pronunciation/pʰɹiˈzɛnts/Accepted verb alternative
The mayor presents the winner with a medal.
The company presents an award for outstanding performance.
third-person singular verb
Formally introduces one person to other people.
/pʰɹəˈzɛnts/Standard verb pronunciation/pʰɹiˈzɛnts/Accepted verb alternative
The host presents the speaker to the audience.
The manager presents the new director to the staff.
Useful expressions
now; at this time
At present, the office is closed.
for now
For the present, we will stay here.
the verb form used for facts, habits, and things happening now
“Work” is in the present tense in “I work from home.”