teaching

1 of 2

noun

teach·​ing ˈtē-chiŋ 

1

: the act, practice, or profession of a teacher

2

: something taught

especially : doctrine

the teachings of Confucius

teaching

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, used for, or engaged in teaching

a teaching aid

the teaching profession

a teaching assistant

Synonyms of teaching

Noun

• education
• schooling
• instruction

Examples of teaching in a Sentence

Noun

He went into teaching after college.

a chemist who has devoted his career to teaching, even though he could have made a lot more money in an industrial job

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The 70-year-old banking giant legend said that teaching is also on the table—a popular gig for leaders with decades of industry expertise. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Since 2014, Dolby’s been on the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins, teaching while still touring regularly every year, often on tours with fellow new wave artists he’s known for years. — Peter Larsen, Daily News, 14 July 2026

Adjective

Earlier this year, San Diego Unified’s deal on a contract with its teachers union caused consternation over possible cuts it was feared to have caused to non-teaching staff. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

In April more than 300 non-teaching staff members were laid off. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 5 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1853, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing teaching

• practice teaching
• student teaching
• teaching assistant
• teaching hospital

Rhymes for teaching

• bleaching
• breaching
• breeching
• leaching
• preaching
• reaching
• screeching
• beseeching
• impeaching
• overreaching

Kids Definition

teaching

noun

teach·​ing

1

: the act, practice, or profession of a teacher

2

: something taught

especially : doctrine