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

Gentry — who taught kindergarten at Stone Spring Elementary School in Harrisonburg, Virginia — began the post on June 13. — Char Adams, PEOPLE.com, "Kindergarten Teacher Talks Quitting Job in Controversial Post: My Mental 'Health Was in Jeopardy'," 18 June 2019 That story wrinkle links fiction and real life as well for Early, who has taught students for nearly 30 years and is now at White Dragon Martial Arts in Mira Mesa. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Former Chargers WR Quinn Early shifts from NFL to film," 18 June 2019 This year, Hopkins taught both first and sixth grade at both schools, officials said. — NBC News, "Ohio gym teacher accused of preying on first grade girls was caught on surveillance camera," 17 June 2019 The collection, named after artist John H. Vanderpoel, who taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, is now located in the Ridge Park Fieldhouse through the Chicago Park District's Arts Partners in Residency Program. — Dennis Sullivan, Daily Southtown, "Popular Ridge Art Fair & Festival to feature 42 exhibitors showcasing original works in Beverly," 16 June 2019 Have fun teaching the kids about the state’s agricultural industry at Compeer Financial Discovery Barnyard, Dairy Lane Exhibit, and the Farm & Family Building. — Brian Sodoma, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Have a blast at the Wisconsin State Fair on any budget," 14 June 2019 The play is directed by Spencer Elliott, who teaches English and theater at Heritage Christian. — Emily Sabens, Indianapolis Star, "He wrote hundreds of poems about his abuse by a Catholic priest. Now his words are a play," 14 June 2019 Mason worked as a critical-care nurse at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and later taught at Hondros College. — cincinnati.com, "From the Editor: Until you experience it, it's hard to comprehend the hidden costs of being poor," 13 June 2019 Authorities say James Reagan taught first grade at a Maryville elementary school where Clark Reagan just completed the third grade. — Fox News, "Police: Teacher, son die in apparent murder-suicide at home," 11 June 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.