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 museum, recently designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, was the site of historical sit-ins by the Greensboro Four, an effort during the Civil Rights Movement that sparked similar sit-ins around North Carolina. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025

Those arrested have been released, said a representative for the Gender Liberation Movement, the grassroots group that organized the sit-in. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

However, there's no need to break the bank stocking up on these useful items when many of them are sitting in your local thrift store for just a few dollars each. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025

Despite the hoopla around sturgeon spearing, Mr. Marsh, who loves fishing, did not see the attraction of sitting in the cold. —Brian Kaiser, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025

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