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

In 2019, seven people were arrested during a monthlong sit-in against the creation of the department. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2025

Ray Charles’s 1962 country crossover Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music was a timely genre excursion, landing after sit-ins that cornered Nashville into the politically actionable embarrassment of jailing Black students for requesting fair treatment in local eateries. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025

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