teach

verb

ˈtēch 

taught ˈtȯt  ; teaching

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

4

a

: 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

• educate
• indoctrinate
• instruct
• lesson
• school
• train
• tutor

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

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

These delightful toys teach cause and effect, hone fine and gross motor skills, and more. —Christine Luff, Parents, 22 Apr. 2024

The great Austro-German economist taught at Harvard from 1932 until his death in 1950. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 22 Apr. 2024

In other words, the seder teaches us how to empathize with human struggles for justice and autonomy in every generation. —Elliot Kukla, TIME, 22 Apr. 2024

On a practical level, Transcendental Meditation, which is taught by Maharishi, your metabolism slows down to a level of rest twice as deep as sleep. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2024

My journey taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of self-advocacy, the limitations of medical reassurances, and the power of knowledge in shaping our health decisions. —Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024

As an Asian kid brought up in Asia, we're not taught to be vocal or voice ourselves. —EW.com, 20 Apr. 2024

In school districts across the city, families are fighting over transgender athletes and how race and discrimination are taught in the classroom. —Grace Ashford, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024

All About Its Rare Visibility from Earth Moriarty’s love for teaching and imparting his own knowledge motivated him to set a date for 46 years in the future. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English techen to show, instruct, from Old English tǣcan; akin to Old English tācn sign — more at token entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing teach

• practice-teach
• show/teach (someone) a trick or two
• teach-in
• teach (someone) a lesson
• you can't teach an old dog new tricks

Kids Definition

teach

verb

ˈtēch 

taught ˈtȯt  ; teaching

1

: to assist in learning how to do something : show how

teach a child to read

2

: to guide the studies of : instruct

teach a class

3

: to give lessons in : instruct pupils in

teach music

4

: to be a teacher

5

: to cause to learn : cause to know the effects of an action

the experience taught him to be more careful