past form and past participle
Was in a sitting position with the bottom supported by a chair, the floor, or another surface, or has been in that position.
I sat by the window.
She has sat quietly in the waiting room.
American English
How to pronounce sat
verbA1Very common word
SAAT
/sæt̚/
One syllable.
Form of sit
Sat is used for both the past form and the past participle of sit.
Was in a sitting position with the bottom supported by a chair, the floor, or another surface, or has been in that position.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past form and past participle
Moved the body into a sitting position, or has moved it into one.
He sat down on the bench.
She has sat down at the table.
past form and past participle
Was, or has been, in a particular place or position as if fixed there, especially when the subject is an object or building.
The keys sat on the kitchen counter.
The house has sat on the hill for years.
Useful expressions
to move into a sitting position
Please sit down here.
to move into a straighter, more upright sitting position
Sit up straight.
to stay where you are and wait
Sit tight while I check the schedule.
Related words & forms
Use sat for both the past form and the form after have. Double the final t before -ing: sitting.