pull-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈpu̇l-ˌəp 

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

: check, rebuke

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

Synonyms

Verb

• arrest
• bring up
• catch
• check
• draw up
• fetch up
• halt
• hold up
• stall
• stay
• still
• stop

Examples of pull-up in a Sentence

Verb

the jockey tried to pull up the apparently injured horse

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The company brought a range of new collections to Interwoven, including performance nubuck that boasts water- and stain-resistance, double pull-ups and distressed styles, all with an earth-friendly story. —Jennifer Bringle, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024

Such was the case Monday night as the lightning-quick Riley tried to ignite his team’s high-octane offense with creative drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers and precision passes. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 10 Dec. 2024

Verb

Flowers allegedly pulled up next to the marshal’s vehicle in a silver Toyota Sienna minivan, got out and pointed .40-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol through the driver’s side window, according to a statement by Deputy Marshal Tyler Wells. —Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

The chase came to an end when deputies performed a PIT maneuver, which is when a law enforcement vehicle pulls up alongside another car and forces it to turn abruptly and come to a stop. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1