sedentary

American  

[sed-n-ter-ee] / ˈsɛd nˌtɛr i /

adjective

1. characterized by or requiring a sitting posture.

   a sedentary occupation.

2. accustomed to sit or rest a great deal or to take little exercise.

3. Chiefly Zoology.

   1. abiding in one place; not migratory.

   2. pertaining to animals that move about little or are permanently attached to something, as a barnacle.

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sedentary British  

/ ˈsɛdəntərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by or requiring a sitting position

   sedentary work

2. tending to sit about without taking much exercise

3. (of animals) moving about very little, usually because of attachment to a rock or other surface

4. (of animals) not migratory

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Other Word Forms

• nonsedentarily adverb
• nonsedentariness noun
• nonsedentary adjective
• presedentary adjective
• sedentarily adjective
• sedentariness noun
• unsedentary adjective

Etymology

Origin of sedentary

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin sedentārius “sitting,” equivalent to sedent- (stem of sedēns, present participle of sedēre “to sit ¹ ”; -ent ) + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

"It's all about balance. We know that too much sedentary screen time can have a negative effect on children's development," speech and language therapist Janet Cooper previously told the BBC's Tiny Happy People website.

From BBC

Urban lifestyles, carbohydrate-heavy diets and sedentary habits have helped drive both conditions.

From BBC

"A terrible kind of sedentary childhood I had, when I think about it," he said.

From BBC

"One lady lost over five stone to be able to have a knee replacement operation. People who were sedentary can now do exercise," she said.

From BBC

Longer lifespans, more sedentary habits, and rising rates of overweight and obesity are fueling this increase.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• inactive