teach-in
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of teach-in
First recorded in 1960–65; see origin at -in 3
Explanation
A teach-in is a forum or discussion that focuses on a specific political issue and involves audience participation. The first teach-ins were held during the Vietnam War. Unlike a more formal lecture, a teach-in isn't only intended to educate, but is organized to invite questions and discussion. Most teach-ins focus on controversial or complex topics, and they usually include brainstorming about practical action participants can take. Besides anti-war teach-ins, they might center on corporate power, environmental issues, or racism. A University of Michigan anthropologist is credited with coining teach-in in 1965, inspired by sit-in.
Vocabulary lists containing teach-in
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A week later on 31 July, Alexander contacted Mandelson to tell him he had a meeting that afternoon with the unnamed person "for a proper teach-in session".
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Had the district wanted to end it, it would have monitored classrooms during the teach-in, disciplined those who imposed their own beliefs, and interviewed some of the Jewish families that pursued interdistrict transfers, she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2025
In a statement, UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said the school recognises the concern about the messages, and that a teach-in on the conflict was held on campus last week.
From BBC • Nov. 9, 2023
Some faculty members and students organized a teach-in to process what had happened, and the university issued a news release chalking it up to a difference of opinions.
From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2022
Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, an early environmentalist, visited the Santa Barbara oil spill site and later said it inspired him to organize “a nationwide teach-in on the environment.”
From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2021
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
