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 rally, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, was set up first as an anti-war sit-in to demand that the Democratic politicians stop the sale of bombs to Israel, according to the organization's Instagram. —Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Shortly after his victorious sit-in with Teddy Swims on Coachella’s main stage, David Lee Roth strutted into the media tent. —Jeff Miller, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2026

Verb

One answer sits in the structure of the wine industry itself. —Maryam Ahmed, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026

Researchers have spent decades developing potatoes for chip makers that can grow in all kinds of climates, avoid diseases and pests, sit in storage for months and still deliver a satisfying crunch. —CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

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