incumbent

The definition of incumbent is laying on top of something.

(adjective)

An example of incumbent is a cat lounging on its sleeping owner.

Incumbent is defined as the person who is already in an elected office.

(noun)

An example of incumbent is the person who is currently the president.

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See incumbent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. lying, resting, or pressing with its weight on something else
  2. currently in office

Origin: L incumbens, prp. of incumbere, to recline or rest on < in-, on + cubare, to lie down: see cube

noun

the holder of an office or benefice

See incumbent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Imposed as an obligation or duty; obligatory: felt it was incumbent on us all to help.
  2. Lying, leaning, or resting on something else: incumbent rock strata.
  3. Currently holding a specified office: the incumbent mayor.
noun
A person who holds an office or ecclesiastical benefice: The incumbent was reelected to another term.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, holder of an office

Origin: , from Medieval Latin incumbēns, incumbent-

Origin: , from Latin

Origin: , present participle of incumbere, to lean upon, apply oneself to

Origin: : in-, on; see in-2

Origin: + -cumbere, to recline

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Related Forms:

  • in·cumˈbent·ly adverb

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