sitting

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noun sit·ting \ ˈsi-tiŋ \

Definition of sitting

1 a :the act of one that sits

b :a single occasion of continuous sitting (as for a portrait or meal)

2 a :a brooding over eggs for hatching

b :setting 6

3 :session

a sitting of the legislature

See sitting defined for English-language learners

See sitting defined for kids

Examples of sitting in a Sentence

I got through the book in one sitting.
He finished the portrait in one sitting.
We'll eat at the second sitting.
We have reservations for the 5:30 sitting.

Recent Examples of sitting from the Web

Aminyar had enough sitting in his commissary account.

— brian castner, Esquire, "The Fight of His Life," 16 Aug. 2017
Bennett's and Lynch's sitting during the anthem comes on the heels of violence in Charlottesville, Va.

— amos morale iii, NOLA.com, "Zach Strief: Players 'use their platform to make statements; I fully am behind that'," 14 Aug. 2017
If a junior senator could whip up such a frenzy with false charges of Establishment fecklessness, imagine how much hell a sitting president could raise by levying an honest one.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "White House and McConnell Trade Barbs Over Trumpcare Failure," 9 Aug. 2017
A Dealey bookcase in the lower level sitting/reading area.

— by gaile robinson photos by paul moseley, star-telegram, "Whimsical By Design: Charles Dilbeck’s 1938 ranch house still exudes luxury, comfort," 2 Aug. 2017
And in a motion filed last week, Trump's attorneys said deposing a sitting president is a last resort only done under extraordinary circumstances.

— matthew glowicki, The Courier-Journal, "President Trump appeals to higher court to dismiss Louisville rally suit," 24 July 2017
Make enough to eat in one sitting, because the mix will wilt and make mediocre leftovers at best.

— carla lalli music, Bon Appetit, "A Crispy, Crunchy Chicken Salad With Tons of Vegetables," 24 July 2017
In the main house, the master suite features a walk-in closet and a sitting room.

— neal j. leitereg, latimes.com, "Jared Leto gets his price and more for Cahuenga Pass pad," 15 July 2017
Like, A LOT of time—five popsicles in one sitting sometimes!

— audrey bruno, SELF, "12 Homemade Popsicle Recipes to Keep You From Melting," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sitting.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sitting

13th century

sitting

adjective

Definition of sitting

1 :that is setting

a sitting hen

2 :occupying a judicial, legislative, or executive seat :being in office

3 :easily hit or played

a sitting target

4 a :used in or for sitting

a sitting position

b :performed while sitting

a sitting shot

See sitting defined for English-language learners

Examples of sitting in a Sentence

a sitting member of Parliament

Recent Examples of sitting from the Web

Kasich is among a handful of sitting Republican governors who have spoken out against the GOP bills in Congress.

— john wagner, Washington Post, "Republicans running for governor put in a tough position by Trump health cuts," 28 June 2017
Outside, the 16,107-square-foot La Villa Contenta has more sitting areas for relaxation, work and watching the tots play.

— cara zimmerman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Beyoncé Brought Her Twins Home to This $400k-per-Month Malibu Estate," 26 June 2017

First Known Use of sitting

15th century

SITTING Defined for English Language Learners

sitting

play

noun

Definition of sitting for English Language Learners

: a period of time during which someone sits and does a particular activity
: a period of time when a person poses for a portrait or photograph
: a time when a meal is served to a number of people at the same time

sitting

adjective

Definition of sitting for English Language Learners

: currently holding an office
: used in or for sitting
: easily hit

SITTING Defined for Kids

sitting

noun sit·ting \ ˈsi-tiŋ \

Definition of sitting for Students

1 :a period during which someone poses for a portrait or photograph

2 :session 2

a sitting of the legislature

3 :a time when a meal is served to a number of people

There will be two sittings for the dinner.

Learn More about sitting

See words that rhyme with sitting Nglish: Translation of sitting for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sitting for Arabic speakers

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First Known Use of sitting

sitting

Definition of sitting

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SITTING Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of sitting for English Language Learners

sitting

Definition of sitting for English Language Learners

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