sedentary
adjective
sed·en·tary
ˈse-dᵊn-ˌter-ē 
1
: not migratory : settled
sedentary birds
sedentary civilizations
2
a
: doing or requiring much sitting
a sedentary job
b
: not physically active
a sedentary lifestyle
3
: permanently attached
sedentary barnacles
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Sit and Learn About Sedentary
Sedentary comes from the Latin verb sedēre, meaning "to sit." Other descendants of sedēre include dissident, insidious, preside, reside, and subsidy. Sedēre is also the base of the rare sedens, a noun that refers to a person who remains a resident of the place or region of their birth.
Examples of sedentary in a Sentence
Editing the dictionary is a sedentary job.
The work is very sedentary.
Their health problems were caused by their sedentary lifestyles.
He became sedentary later on in his life.
Recent Examples on the Web
People with arthritis or more sedentary lifestyles are more prone to morning joint stiffness.
—
Kristen Fischer, Health, 17 Apr. 2026
Long bouts of sedentary behavior may increase dementia risk.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
What this study adds is the idea that mental activity during sedentary time also matters.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
This is especially useful for those who are often sedentary while working.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedentary
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Kristen Fischer, Health, 17 Apr. 2026
Long bouts of sedentary behavior may increase dementia risk.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
What this study adds is the idea that mental activity during sedentary time also matters.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
This is especially useful for those who are often sedentary while working.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sedentary
Cite this Entry
“Sedentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sedentary. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sedentary
adjective
sed·en·tary
ˈsed-ᵊn-ˌter-ē
1
: not migratory : settled
sedentary birds
2
: doing or requiring much sitting
a sedentary job
Medical Definition
sedentary
adjective
sed·en·tary
ˈsed-ᵊn-ˌter-ē
: doing or requiring much sitting : characterized by a lack of physical activity
increased risk of heart disease for those with sedentary jobs
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