push-up

noun

ˈpu̇sh-ˌəp 

: a conditioning exercise performed in a prone position by raising and lowering the body with the straightening and bending of the arms while keeping the back straight and supporting the body on the hands and toes

Examples of push-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pausing at the very bottom of the push-up and pressing up slowly can also improve your strength and control. —Anna Maltby, New York Times, 12 May 2025

Finalists invited to Kansas City not only have to perform but are tested on their knowledge of football, public-speaking talent and fitness — push-ups, sit-ups, plank poses. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025

Exercises that build muscular endurance include push-ups, planks, and squats. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 May 2025

Here’s what experts had to say about the 11 push-ups challenge, how the exercise can help protect your health, and how to learn to do more and better quality push-ups. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for push-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

push-up

noun

ˈpu̇sh-ˌəp

: an exercise performed while lying facedown by raising and lowering the body with the straightening and bending of the arms