sits; sat
ˈsæt 
; sitting
; sitting
1
a
: to be in a position in which your bottom is resting on a chair, the ground, etc., especially with your back upright
He was sitting in a chair next to the window.
She sat across from me during dinner.
The children sat cross-legged on the floor playing a game.
Are you going to sit there and watch TV all day?
Don't just sit there—do/say something!
You can't expect young children to sit still [=sit without moving around] for that long.
b
: to begin to sit : to put yourself in a sitting position
He went over and sat [=sat down] in a chair next to the window.
She walked around the table and sat across from me.
c
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to cause (someone) to be seated : to put (someone) in a sitting position
She sat the toddler in the chair.
2
a
of an animal
: to rest with the tail end of the body on the floor and the front legs straight
The cat likes to sit by the window.
He taught the dog to sit (on command).
Sit! Good dog!
b
of a bird
: to rest on the top or the edge of something
The bird sat on the ledge.
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to be or stay in a particular place, position, or condition
The limousine is sitting outside.
A vase sat on the table.
The sled sits unused in the garage during the summer.
4
: to be a member of an official group that has meetings
She sits on the board of directors.
5
: to meet in order to carry on official business : to hold a session
The court is now sitting.
Parliament will sit for four months.
6
a
: to take care of a child while the child's parents are away : babysit
She sits for the neighbors' kids. = She sits for the neighbors.
b
: to take care of something while the owner is away
—usually used in combination
Can you dog-sit [=take care of my dog] for me this weekend?
7
US
: to have enough seats for (a certain number of people)
The car sits [=seats] five (people).
8
: to pose for a portrait, photograph, etc.
She agreed to sit for the painting/painter.
9
British
: to take (an examination)
Students will sit the exam next week.
The course prepares students to sit for the exam.
Cite this Entry
“Sit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sit. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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