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

Then there are all the usual deli charms, a mishmash of framed photos, posters, and illustrations; squeeze ketchup bottles on every table, and a long sit-in bar perfect for those looking to nurse a cup of coffee. —Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

In the daytime, the cocktail bar is filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows commanding a view of 5th Avenue and the historic Woolworth building, where, as a student, John Lewis led lunch counter sit-ins. —Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Verb

But with the wheels realigned and the engine humming again, the Broncos now have to sit in neutral. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025

Nigeria sits in third place with 10 points, meaning a win could narrow the gap and keep their hopes alive. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sit-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

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