tutor

1 of 2

noun

tu·​tor ˈtü-tər How to pronounce tutor (audio)
ˈtyü-
: a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another: such as
a
: a private teacher
b
: a teacher in a British university who gives individual instruction to undergraduates

tutor

2 of 2

verb

tutored; tutoring; tutors

transitive verb

1
: to teach or guide usually individually in a special subject or for a particular purpose : coach
2
: to have the guardianship, tutelage, or care of

intransitive verb

1
: to do the work of a tutor
2
: to receive instruction especially privately

Examples of tutor in a Sentence

Noun I got a tutor to help me with my homework. He is a tutor in European history. Verb She earned extra money tutoring in the evening. bought a video series designed to tutor a person in the fine art of decorating cakes
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
Volunteering as a tutor can highlight a student’s mastery of a particular subject and teaching abilities. Kristen Moon, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Things take a turn when Edward’s tutor (a well-cast David Morrissey) turns up dead after an evening spent discussing his pupil’s plans. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
But the most important part of Flacco’s job description in his second stint in Cleveland will be to help tutor the quarterback the team drafts, who’s likely to finish the 2025 season starting. Zac Jackson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Relying on one job is risky, so explore side gigs, driving for rideshare apps, tutoring online, or selling a skill on platforms like Upwork. Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tutor

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tutour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin tutor, from tueri

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tutor was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Tutor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tutor. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

tutor

1 of 2 noun
tu·​tor ˈt(y)üt-ər How to pronounce tutor (audio)
: a person who has the responsibility of instructing and guiding another

tutor

2 of 2 verb
: to teach usually individually

Legal Definition

tutor

noun
in the civil law of Louisiana : a guardian of a minor or sometimes of a person with mental retardation compare committee, conservator, curator
tutorship noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tutor

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