teacher
TEE-chuh
Teacher (noun) means a person whose job is to help students learn, especially in a school. Example: “The teacher handed back our essays and gave us a week to improve them.”
noun
1
A person whose job is to help students learn, especially in a school.
"The teacher handed back our essays and gave us a week to improve them."
"My sister trained as a teacher because she loves helping young children learn to read."
"Her favourite teacher was the one who made history come alive."
How to use teacher
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who teaches, most often as their profession.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a good teacher
a substitute teacher
teacher training
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Word forms
- Plural
- teachers
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The _____ handed back our essays and gave us a week to improve them.
Etymology
From Middle English techere, simply "teach" plus the agent suffix "-er."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for teacher
See all rhymes for teacher →Frequently asked questions
What does “teacher” mean?
The word “teacher” means a person whose job is to help students learn, especially in a school. In plain terms, someone who teaches, most often as their profession.
How do you pronounce “teacher”?
“Teacher” is pronounced TEE-chuh (/ˈti.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “teacher” in a sentence?
Here is “teacher” used in a sentence: “Her favourite teacher was the one who made history come alive.”
What part of speech is “teacher”?
“Teacher” is a noun.
Where does the word “teacher” come from?
The word “teacher” comes from Middle English. From Middle English techere, simply "teach" plus the agent suffix "-er.".
Is “teacher” a common word?
“Teacher” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a teacher and a tutor?
A teacher usually works in a school, leading whole classes through a set curriculum and assessing progress. A tutor gives more individual attention, often one-on-one or in small groups, and typically supports or supplements a student's main education rather than replacing it. Tutoring is frequently private and paid for separately.
What is the difference between a teacher and a professor?
Both help people learn, but the terms differ by setting and rank. 'Teacher' is the general word and most often refers to someone in a primary or secondary school. 'Professor' is a senior academic title used at universities and colleges, usually requiring advanced qualifications and involving research as well as teaching.
What are the different types of teachers?
Teachers are usually grouped by the level or subject they teach. Common types include preschool and elementary teachers, secondary or high-school subject teachers, special-education teachers, and substitute teachers. Beyond schools, the word also covers language instructors, music teachers, and others whose job is helping students learn a particular skill.
What makes a good teacher?
A good teacher combines strong knowledge of their subject with the ability to explain it clearly and patiently. The qualities people value most include patience, enthusiasm, fairness, good communication, and genuine care for students' progress. The best teachers adapt their methods to different learners and keep students motivated to keep going.
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