1 C1 informal
To choose not to take part in an activity, game, or event, remaining as a spectator or staying on the sidelines
"The coach decided to seat out the injured striker for the first half."
inseparable
seat out
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To not participate in an activity or event, remaining on the sidelines; a rare variant of 'sit out'
In plain English
To stay out of a game, activity, or event instead of taking part
What does "seat out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 informal
To wait through a difficult or uncomfortable period without taking action
"They decided to seat out the storm in the nearest shelter."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remain seated (out of participation) — 'out' indicates being outside the activity
Actually means
To stay out of a game, activity, or event instead of taking part
Usage tip
This phrasal verb is uncommon and may be considered non-standard by many speakers. 'Sit out' is the strongly preferred form. 'Seat out' may be heard in informal American English, particularly in a sports context. Learners are advised to use 'sit out' instead.
Words that pair with "seat out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
round game match turn event
How to conjugate "seat out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
seat out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
seats out
he/she/it
Past simple
seated out
yesterday
Past participle
seated out
have + pp
-ing form
seating out
continuous
Hear "seat out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "seat out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "seat out"
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