pull-up

1 of 2

noun

plural pull-ups
: an exercise in which one hangs by the hands from a support (such as a horizontal bar) and pulls oneself up until the chin is level with the support
specifically : such an exercise done with the palms facing outward compare chin-up

pull up

2 of 2

verb

pulled up; pulling up; pulls up

transitive verb

1
: to bring to a stop : halt
2

intransitive verb

1
a
: to check oneself
b
: to come to an often abrupt halt : stop
2
: to draw even with others in a race

Examples of pull-up in a Sentence

Verb the jockey tried to pull up the apparently injured horse
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
Gilgeous-Alexander then missed a pull-up triple, sending the game to OT. Frank Nunns O'Connell 15 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 Like many fashions that originate in royal households, the style soon earned a non-royal following among other equestrians eager to forgo laces in favor of rubber and pull-up tabs. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
Barkley pulled up limping after an explosive 28-yard run with less than 10 seconds left in the quarter and immediately went to the blue medical tent for further evaluation. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 It's powered by a digital motor that spins up to 110,000 RPM, and delivers 115 Air Watts of suction that pulls up dirt, pet hair, and crumbs across carpets or hard floors. PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pull-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pull-up was in 1623

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pull-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pull-up. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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