gov‧ern‧ing /ˈɡʌvənɪŋ $ -ər-/ adjective
[Word Family: noun: government, governor, governess, governorship; adjective: governmental, governing, gubernatorial; verb: govern; adverb: governmentally]

1. [only before noun] having the power and authority to control an organization, country etc Synonym : ruling:
FIFA is the governing body of world soccer (=the group of people who control it).
The Democrats are now the governing party (=the party in power) in the country.
the governing class of ancient Rome

2. governing principle a principle that has the most important influence on something:
Freedom of speech is one of the governing principles in a democracy.
⇒ self-governing

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲