DictionaryAI

teach

TEECH/tiːt͡ʃ/

Formsteaches, teaching, taught

5 meanings of teach

Practice

  1. 1
    instructverb
    To give lessons or show someone how to do something, often as a job.

    Like passing a flame from one candle to another.

    Good parents teach their children to be honest.

    She teaches young kids how to read.

    UsageSay taught for the past (not incorrect: teached): she taught me to read.

    Similarinstruct, train, educate, tutor, coach

    Oppositelearn

  2. 2
    bring understandingverb
    To help someone learn or understand something.

    This game can teach kids how numbers work.

    Her mistake taught her to check the figures twice.

    UsageA mistake or an experience can teach you something.

    Similarshow

    Note
  3. 3
    as punishmentverb
    To punish someone so they learn not to do something bad again.

    Like touching a hot stove once and never reaching for it again.

    Getting soaked will teach him to go out without an umbrella.

    I'll teach you to take what isn't yours!

    UsageI'll teach you to lie! means stop lying, or you will be sorry.

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    instructornouncolloquialterm of addresscountable
    A casual word for a teacher.

    Hey teach, can you explain that part again?

    Thanks for the extra help, teach!

    UsageUsed without a or the when talking to a teacher: Thanks, teach!

    Similarteacher

  2. 5
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To show someone the way and guide or lead them.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of teach apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1–3, 5

From Old English tǣċan, meaning to show or instruct. It goes back to an old root meaning 'to show'.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Meaning 4

A short form of the word 'teacher'.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact