Sedentary means spending a lot of time sitting down, and not moving or exercising very much. It can also refer to a group of people who tend to live in the same place. See how to use sedentary in sentences and learn its origin. The meaning of SEDENTARY is not migratory : settled. How to use sedentary in a sentence. Sit and Learn About Sedentary The adjective ' sedentary ' originates from the Latin word 'sedentarius,' which is derived from 'sedere,' meaning 'to sit.' This etymological root aptly captures the essence of ' sedentary ' as it describes a lifestyle characterized by a lack of physical activity and prolonged periods of sitting or remaining in one place. Over time, the term transitioned into Middle English as 'sedentarie' before settling into its modern form, ' sedentary .' The etymology of ' sedentary ' serves as a linguistic ... Sedentary - Definition , Etymology, and Impact on Health Definition : Sedentary refers to an activity or lifestyle that involves much sitting and little physical exercise.