sitting

American  

[sit-ing] / ˈsɪt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that sits.

2. a period of remaining seated, as in posing for a portrait or reading a book.

3. the space on or in which one sits, as in a church.

4. a brooding, as of a hen upon eggs; incubation.

5. the number of eggs on which a bird sits during a single hatching; clutch.

6. a session, as of a court or legislature.

7. the time or space allotted to the serving of a meal to a group, as aboard a ship.

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adjective

1. (of a bird) occupying a nest of eggs for hatching.

2. of, for, or suited to sitting.

   a sitting area in the lobby.

3. holding an official position or office; occupying an appointed or elected seat; incumbent.

   a sitting pontiff.

4. in session or at work; active.

   a sitting legislature.

idioms

1. sitting pretty, in an auspicious position.

   He's been sitting pretty since he got that new job.

sitting British  

/ ˈsɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. a continuous period of being seated

   I read his novel at one sitting

2. such a period in a restaurant, canteen, etc, where space and other facilities are limited

   dinner will be served in two sittings

3. the act or period of posing for one's portrait to be painted, carved, etc

4. a meeting, esp of an official body, to conduct business

5. the incubation period of a bird's eggs during which the mother sits on them to keep them warm

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adjective

1. in office

   a sitting Member of Parliament

2. (of a hen) brooding eggs

3. seated

   in a sitting position

Etymology

Origin of sitting

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; sit ¹, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

When Grace passed this sitting room, she was laid out here.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

In another particularly grotesque moment of that hearing, Bondi refused to acknowledge the row of Epstein’s survivors sitting behind her.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

These lakes are often located at high altitudes, sitting above river systems that help channel burst waters far downhill.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

By the time we manage to slide into last place, we’re sitting in water halfway up our thighs.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• situated