sit-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈsit-ˌəp 

: a conditioning exercise performed from a supine position by raising the torso to a sitting position and returning to the original position without using the arms or lifting the feet

sit up

2 of 2

verb

sat up; sitting up; sits up

intransitive verb

1

a

: to rise from a lying to a sitting position

b

: to sit with the back erect

2

: to show interest, alertness, or surprise

sit up and take notice

3

: to stay up after the usual time for going to bed

Examples of sit-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Exercises such as sit-ups or push-ups commonly target core strength. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 7 Dec. 2024

The British Heart Foundation has a 10-minute workout from their physical activity specialist Lisa Young that consists of sit-ups, squats, jumping jacks, punches and high knees. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Verb

White cat Walter sits up on his haunches on the sofa, just out of reach of the puppy, who is reaching forward to try to gently bite the cat—who is repeatedly batting Winnie the puppy in the face. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

So when Silicon Valley aristocracy like Microsoft changes tack and embraces an emerging technology like bitcoin, everyone needs to sit up and take notice. —Sandy Carter, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sit-up

noun

ˈsit-ˌəp

: an exercise done by lying on the back and rising up to a sitting position by bending forward at the waist without lifting the feet and returning to the original position