teaching

1 of 2

noun

teach·​ing ˈtē-chiŋ How to pronounce teaching (audio)
Synonyms of teachingnext
1
: the act, practice, or profession of a teacher
2
: something taught
especially : doctrine
the teachings of Confucius

teaching

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, used for, or engaged in teaching
a teaching aid
the teaching profession
a teaching assistant

Synonyms of teaching

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Noun

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Examples of teaching in a Sentence

Noun He went into teaching after college. a chemist who has devoted his career to teaching, even though he could have made a lot more money in an industrial job
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
This often means that those who are not persuaded by its teachings can be fined, jailed, even killed. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Outschool is an online teaching platform that focuses on kids ages 3 to 18. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Adjective
Instead, the cuts will target non-teaching jobs. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026 In April more than 300 non-teaching staff members were laid off. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for teaching

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teaching was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing teaching

Rhymes for teaching

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Browse Nearby Words

teach-in
teaching
teaching aid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teaching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teaching. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

teaching

noun
teach·​ing
1
: the act, practice, or profession of a teacher
2
: something taught
especially : doctrine

More from Merriam-Webster on teaching

Nglish: Translation of teaching for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about teaching

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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