sit-in

1 of 2

noun

1
2
a
: an act of occupying seats in a racially segregated establishment in organized protest against discrimination
b
: an act of sitting in the seats or on the floor of an establishment as a means of organized protest

sit in

2 of 2

verb

sat in; sitting in; sits in

intransitive verb

1
: to take part in or be present at a session of music or discussion as a visitor
often used with on
invited to sit in on a rehearsal
2
: to participate in a sit-in

Examples of sit-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The sit-in inspired similar ones around North Carolina and a national movement with 700,000 students, clergy members and others fighting for racial equality. Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025 Leading up to the vote, three Democratic lawmakers staged a days-long sit-in at the House chamber to protest that the session began while most members were absent. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
Due to a recent Achilles heel injury, Brown sat in the front row with crutches, his injured leg stretched on the aisle. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 This garden classic features unique blooms and seed pods that sit in a lacy cup of threadlike foliage. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sit-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sit-in was in 1936

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Sit-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sit-in. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sit-in

noun
ˈsit-ˌin
: an act of sitting in seats or on the floor (as in a restaurant or office) as a means of organized protest

More from Merriam-Webster on sit-in

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