teach-in
Americannoun
-
teach-ins
plural
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.
See Examples For:
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
The encampment was initially free of violence, with protesters engaged in teach-in, art builds, yoga and other activities.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2024
After a faculty led teach-in about ablism, there was a march, followed by a Passover seder.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2024
A film screening was held after midnight; there was a teach-in.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 18, 2024
“Back then those vast demonstrations started with just a few people,” he said at our national virtual teach-in last month.
From New York Times ● Feb. 7, 2022
Another student organization, TransparUNCy, has organized boycotts and teach-ins opposing the school.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 21, 2026
Students could hold CPR teach-ins to protest cuts to lifesaving medical research and tariff teach-ins to instruct individuals how to sew, cook and repair household goods.
From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2025
As demonstrators studied for finals and held teach-ins in the encampment, students nearby who weren’t activists took photos in graduation regalia by the Tommy Trojan statue and other scenic spots.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2024
Nelson, after touring the spill site, had the idea of doing a national “teach-in” on the environment, similar to teach-ins being held on some college campuses at the time to oppose the war in Vietnam.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 17, 2024
Over the next decade, the group published reports on various issues and held multiday teach-ins attended by as many as a few thousand people in cities where the organizations met.
From New York Times ● Apr. 30, 2023
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.
