sit-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈsit-ˌin 

1

: sit-down sense 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

Noun

The episode is not unlike those nonviolent 1960s lunch counter civil rights sit-ins where participants endured heckling and harassment but did not retaliate. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024

Led by Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur, chief minister in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province – where Khan’s party remains in power – the protesters planned to hold a sit-in at D-Chowk, a large square near the country’s parliament. —Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024

Verb

Maserati has produced many stunning cars over the years, but the MC12 sits in its own little glittery box beside its Enzo sibling. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Among the many other photos and videos the Griselda star posted from her trip were photos of her entire group of family and friends gathered for Thanksgiving at a beachfront dining table, with cocktails and full plates of food sitting in front of them. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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