sit downverb

• 1

  To assume a sitting position from a standing position.

  • Sit down! We have work to do.
  • I sat down in the armchair, and my sis sat down on the floor.
• 2

  To cause to be seated or in a sitting posture; to furnish a seat to.

  • Sit your ass down and shut up.
  • I sat him down and explained to him how things truly work around here.
• 3

  To meet formally at a conference table.

  • Hidden behind thickets of acronyms and gorse bushes of detail, a new great game is under way across the globe. Some call it geoeconomics, but it's geopolitics too. The current power play consists of an extraordinary range of countries simultaneously sitting down to negotiate big free trade and investment agreements.
• 4

  To meet with someone for discussions, negotiations or interrogation.

  • I sat down with him about the allegations.
• 5

  To assume a low or sunken position.

  • The ball scooted off the fairway and sat down in the thick rough.
  • As we all climbed aboard, the little boat sat down low in the water.
• 6

  In Aboriginal use, to live or stay at (a place).

  • He ‘sat down’ for days, regaining his strength, quietly sizing up his little kingdom.
  • ‘He sit down long time, plenty days, too quiet altogether. All a time he look out young lubra.’
• 7

  obsoleteTo take up residence in or settle (an area).