sitdown

Sitdown is a compound noun and, less commonly, an adjective in English. It denotes activities or arrangements conducted while the participants are seated. The term is used for meals, meetings, or interviews that take place at a table, as well as for certain kinds of organized labor actions. Spelling varies: sit-down (hyphenated) is common in formal writing; sitdown is also used, especially in American English or informal contexts.

In dining contexts, a sit-down meal or sit-down dinner describes service where guests are seated and served at a table, as opposed to buffet or standing formats. In journalism and conversation, a sit-down interview or sit-down with a public figure refers to a one-on-one discussion conducted while both parties are seated; such interviews are typically planned, in-depth, and may be broadcast or published.

In labor history, a sit-down strike is a form of industrial action in which workers remain at the workplace but refuse to perform their duties, with the aim of halting production and pressuring management. Notable examples occurred in the United States during the 1930s, and the tactic has appeared in various industries and countries since then.

Etymology reflects the literal act of sitting down for a meal or a meeting. The term is widely used in American English and has permeated other varieties of English through media, business, and labor discourse. See also related expressions such as “meeting,” “dinner,” or “interview,” depending on the context.