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

His pull-up threes pull defenders far from the basket and warp the floor like few players in NBA history. —Brian Sampson, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

More often, Bailey ends up turning an initial advantage into a contested pull-up or fadeaway rather than trying to stride or finish at the rim. —John Hollinger, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 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