English Reference
noun

teacher

n.
US /ˈtitʃɝ/ UK /tˈiːtʃɐ/ teach·er UK spelling teacher's, teacher's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    a person who helps you learn new things, especially in a school.

    a person whose profession is to provide instruction to students, typically within a formal educational setting.

    Simple

    My history teacher makes the lessons very interesting by telling stories.

    In context

    The primary school teacher developed a specialized curriculum to address the diverse learning needs of her third-grade students.

    Pitfall
    He is a teacher of English in a high school. He is an English teacher at a high school.

    While 'teacher of English' is grammatically correct, it is more natural to use the subject as a modifier before 'teacher' and the preposition 'at' for the institution.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    an experience or person that shows you how to live or behave.

    an abstract entity, experience, or person that serves as a source of wisdom or a moral example.

    Simple

    Failure can be a great teacher if you learn from your mistakes.

    In context

    In many philosophical traditions, nature is viewed as the ultimate teacher, offering silent lessons on patience and the cycle of life.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Religion

    a specific rank or role for a person in certain churches.

    a specific ecclesiastical office or rank within certain religious denominations, such as the Aaronic priesthood in Mormonism.

    Simple

    He was ordained as a teacher in his local church when he was fourteen.

    In context

    The duties of a teacher within the Aaronic priesthood involve visiting members' homes to provide spiritual guidance and support.

Usage teachers to use


From Middle English techere, equivalent to teach + -er. More at teach.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English techere
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated