What does sitter mean?
A sitter is someone who sits, but the word is now especially associated with a person entrusted to look after children, pets, or a home while the owner or guardian is absent. In “baby sitter,” “pet sitter,” and “house sitter,” the word suggests both the temporary occupation and a degree of care or responsibility. The older sense of a person who occupies a seat or poses for an artist remains in use, particularly in descriptions of portraits and photographs. A sitter need not be paid in every context: a friend who watches the children while their parents travel may also be described this way. The word is most natural in American and British English alike, though “baby sitter” is more common in American usage, while “childminder” may be preferred in some British contexts. Overall, “sitter” is a compact word whose everyday caregiving sense is much more prominent than its basic literal meaning.
A person who looks after children, pets, or a home while the owner or guardian is away.
"She arranged for a sitter to care for the dog over the weekend."
This is the dominant modern meaning; “baby sitter” and “pet sitter” are especially common.
A person who occupies a seat or remains in a seated position.
"Every sitter in the front row received a programme."
Less common today and often encountered in descriptions of ceremonies, performances, or formal gatherings.
A person who poses for an artist or photographer.
"The sitter patiently held the same expression while the artist worked."
Used especially in the context of portraiture and photography.
The regular plural takes “-s” and refers to multiple people who sit, care for children or animals, or pose for portraits.
"The two sitters shared the fee for looking after the garden."
The everyday phrase “baby sitter” is so established that it can make the original meaning of “sitter”—simply one who sits—easy to overlook.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sitter come from?
The word “sitter” was formed from the English verb “sit” with the agent suffix “-er,” meaning a person who performs or carries out the action. Its occupational use for someone who remains seated while caring for children developed during the 19th century. The verb “sit” itself comes through Old English from the Germanic root for taking or holding a seat, while the suffix “-er” is an English continuation of an older Germanic agent-forming element.
How sitter is actually used
When used for someone caring for children, “sitter” is informal; “baby sitter” is the usual full expression. In art and photography, it is a more formal term for the person being portrayed.
Easily confused with sitter
A sitter is a person who sits or cares for children or animals, whereas seated describes someone who is in a sitting position or is invited to sit.
A sitter is a person, while a saddle is an object placed on a horse or bicycle for the rider to sit on.