teach

verb

\ ˈtēch

taught\ ˈtȯt

\; teaching

Definition of teach

transitive verb

1a : to cause to know something taught them a trade

b : to cause to know how is teaching me to drive

c : to accustom to some action or attitude teach students to think for themselves

d : to cause to know the disagreeable consequences of some action I'll teach you to come home late

2 : to guide the studies of

3 : to impart the knowledge of teach algebra

4a : to instruct by precept, example, or experience

b : to make known and accepted experience teaches us our limitations

5 : to conduct instruction regularly in teach school

intransitive verb

: to provide instruction : act as a teacher

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about teach

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Choose the Right Synonym for teach

teach, instruct, educate, train, discipline, school mean to cause to acquire knowledge or skill. teach applies to any manner of imparting information or skill so that others may learn. taught us a lot about our planet instruct suggests methodical or formal teaching. instructs raw recruits in military drill educate implies development of the mind. more things than formal schooling serve to educate a person train stresses instruction and drill with a specific end in view. trained foreign pilots to operate the new aircraft discipline implies training in habits of order and precision. a disciplined mind school implies training or disciplining especially in what is hard to master. schooled the horse in five gaits

teach, instruct, and train mean to cause to gain knowledge or skill. teach can be used of any method of passing on information or skill so that others may learn. She agreed to teach me how to play. instruct is used when the teaching is done in a formal or orderly manner. Teachers will instruct all students in the sciences. train is used for instruction with a particular purpose in mind. An engineer trained workers to operate the new machines.

Examples of teach in a Sentence

He enjoys teaching his students about history. She taught English for many years at the high school. The church teaches compassion and forgiveness. Someone needs to teach her right and wrong. The experience taught us that money doesn't mean everything. Her injury will teach her not to be so careless with a knife.

Recent Examples on the Web

LeBron James has taught us the strength of all forms, leading by example and providing education to our kids. — Jonathan Landrum Jr., The Seattle Times, "Beyonce, ‘Black Panther’ win at 50th NAACP Image Awards," 1 Apr. 2019 John cues Luna in and sings slowly, gently teaching her the words and notes to sing. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "John Legend Is Already Teaching Daughter Luna How to Sing," 27 Mar. 2019 Six months' seclusion would have been maddening for some, but Cunningham spent his time reading, writing, and teaching himself Latin. — Alexander Huls, Popular Mechanics, "The Great Star Wars Heist," 7 Mar. 2019 Nina Leuzzi has taught pre-K in Boston for 10 years. — Beatrix Lockwood, Marie Claire, "Teaching In the Age of Mass Shootings," 5 Sep. 2018 Danks, 51, has taught for 22 years and her salary is $34,366. — Jessica Militare, Glamour, "What's Next For America's Teacher Walkout Movement?," 27 Aug. 2018 There are additional professional skills taught as well—time management, how to work well in a team, and communication skills. — Annabelle Spranklen, Town & Country, "Here's What It Takes to Become a Nanny for the British Royal Family," 9 Mar. 2019 Tenzi started giving sewing lessons last year, teaching the class using old-fashioned treadle machines because City of Hope wasn’t on the electrical grid. — Shay Maunz, Glamour, "This Young Woman Is Fighting Poverty in Tanzania by Teaching Women to Make Clothes," 8 Mar. 2019 But, the other question is: why aren’t stylist of different races being taught to do all types of hair? — Jessica Andrews, Teen Vogue, "Model Olivia Anakwe Calls Out Hairstylists Who Can’t Do Black Hair at Fashion Shows," 8 Mar. 2019

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