tutor

1 of 2

noun

tu·​tor ˈtü-tər How to pronounce tutor (audio)
ˈtyü-
Synonyms of tutornext
: a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another: such as
a
: a private teacher
b
: a teacher in a British university who gives individual instruction to undergraduates

tutor

2 of 2

verb

tutored; tutoring; tutors

transitive verb

1
: to teach or guide usually individually in a special subject or for a particular purpose : coach
2
: to have the guardianship, tutelage, or care of

intransitive verb

1
: to do the work of a tutor
2
: to receive instruction especially privately

Synonyms of tutor

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Verb

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Examples of tutor in a Sentence

Noun I got a tutor to help me with my homework. He is a tutor in European history. Verb She earned extra money tutoring in the evening. bought a video series designed to tutor a person in the fine art of decorating cakes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Entire product categories that were barely imaginable in 2020 are now weekend projects such as a tutor that converses in Mandarin, a paralegal that drafts and redlines, and a designer that produces forty variations before lunch. — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 There's a computer area for young people to use after school, a dedicated homework spot, tutors, mentors and job readiness training. — Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Verb
Experts stressed engaging in activities that provide purpose and build meaningful connection; volunteering at a food bank or tutoring children was repeatedly recommended. — Taylor Seely, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Mighton began tutoring children in math to support himself financially as a playwright. — Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tutor

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tutour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin tutor, from tueri

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tutor was in the 14th century

Rhymes for tutor

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Browse Nearby Words

tut money
tutor
tutorage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tutor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tutor. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tutor

1 of 2 noun
tu·​tor ˈt(y)üt-ər How to pronounce tutor (audio)
: a person who has the responsibility of instructing and guiding another

tutor

2 of 2 verb
: to teach usually individually

Legal Definition

tutor

noun
tu·​tor ˈtü-tər, ˈtyü-tər How to pronounce tutor (audio)
in the civil law of Louisiana : a guardian of a minor or sometimes of a person with mental retardation compare committee, conservator, curator
tutorship noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tutor

Nglish: Translation of tutor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tutor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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