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

The following month, factory workers mounted a sit-in that lasted 77 days, which led to violent and fiery clashes with police. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 29 June 2025

One of McCurdy’s most prominent actions while in office was leading a sit-in on the floor of the state House in 2022 to protest Gov. Ron DeSantis’ redistricting maps, which eliminated a Black majority congressional seat in North Florida. —Steven Lemongello, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025

Verb

Magic sat in front of her mirror, which is framed by bulbs. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

Although the lower bowl of the facility with two-level seating was mostly full, no one sat in the 200 level. —Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 20 June 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