teacher

noun

TEE-chur/ˈtit͡ʃɚ/TEE-chuh/ˈtiːt͡ʃə/

4 meanings of teacher

1
instructornouncountable
A person who helps others learn, often in a school.
Like a guide who shows you the way when you are learning something new.
My math teacher explained the problem twice until I understood it.
The teacher gave us homework to finish over the weekend.
Similareducator, instructor, tutor
Oppositestudent, pupil
2
lessonnouncountable
A sign or lesson that shows you something important.
That mistake turned out to be a good teacher for the whole team.
My grandma always said that experience is the best teacher.
UsageOften in experience is the best teacher.
Similarguide, lesson

Less common meanings

3
noun
In the Latter-day Saint church, a priesthood office for young men from the year they turn fourteen, above deacon and below priest.
4
nounrare
The finger next to your thumb.

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English techere. It comes from the word "teach" plus the ending "-er."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

Teacher comes from Middle English techere and is formed from teach plus -er. en.wiktionary.org