/sɪt/(present tensesitting, past tense and past participlesat)
Definition
A1[I or T, usually+ adv/prep]to (cause someone to) be in a position in which the lower part of the body is resting on a seat or other type of support, with the upper part of the body vertical: to sit at a table/deskto sit in an armchairto sit on a chair/a horse/the groundHe came and sat (down) next to me.informalSit yourselfdown and have a cup of tea.The child's father sat her (down)on a chair.Sitting and standing›[Iusually+ adv/prep]to be a model for a painter, photographer, etc.: Monet's wife sat for him many times.Sitting and standing›[I](of an animal such as a dog) to move into a position with its back legs bent and its tail end on the ground: We're trying to train our dog to sit.Sitting and standingAnimal (non-human) behaviour›[Iusually+ adv/prep]If a bird sits on its eggs, it covers them with its body to keep them warm before they hatch.Animal reproduction