incumbent
[ in-kuhm-buh nt ]
/ ɪnˈkʌm bənt /
adjective
holding an indicated position, role, office, etc., currently: the incumbent officers of the club.
obligatory (often followed by on or upon): a duty incumbent upon me.
Archaic.
resting, lying, leaning, or pressing on something: incumbent upon the cool grass.
noun
the holder of an office: The incumbent was challenged by a fusion candidate.
British.
a person who holds an ecclesiastical benefice.
Origin of incumbent
OTHER WORDS FROM incumbent
in·cum·bent·ly, adverb an·ti-in·cum·bent, adjective, noun non·in·cum·bent, noun, adjectiveWords nearby incumbent
inculpable,
inculpate,
incult,
inculturation,
incumbency,
incumbent,
incumbent on,
incumber,
incumbrance,
incunable,
incunabula
British Dictionary definitions for incumbent on
incumbent
/ (ɪnˈkʌmbənt) /
adjective
formal (often postpositive and foll by on or upon and an infinitive)
morally binding or necessary; obligatory
it is incumbent on me to attend
(usually postpositive and foll by on)
resting or lying (on)
noun
a person who holds an office, esp a clergyman holding a benefice
Derived forms of incumbent
incumbently, adverbWord Origin for incumbent
C16: from Latin
incumbere to lie upon, devote one's attention to, from
in- ² +
-cumbere, related to Latin
cubāre to lie down
Cultural definitions for incumbent on
incumbent
[ (in-kum-buhnt) ]
One who holds a public office. By virtue of their experience in office, their exposure to the public, and their ability to raise campaign funds, incumbents usually have a significant advantage over opponents if they choose to run for reelection.
Idioms and Phrases with incumbent on
incumbent on
Also, incumbent upon. Imposed as an obligation or duty on, obligatory for. For example, He felt it was incumbent on us all to help the homeless. [Mid-1500s]