Regent/ˈriːdʒənt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Temporary Rule A regent is only a ruler until the legitimate monarch can govern. The prince served as a regent until the young king came of age. Pro Tip 2/3Historical Usage Regents were more common in historical contexts, especially in monarchies. The regent governed while the explorers searched for the lost heir. Pro Tip 3/3Not a Monarch A regent doesn't have the same status or power as a true king or queen. Though the regent held the throne, she wasn't considered the queen.