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

In the accompanying video, Consuelos, 53, does some sit-ups while Seacrest did some stretches directly behind him. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025

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

Verb

Each jet sits up to only 16 guests, giving the perfect air of exclusivity. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025

Behind him, the pair could be seen giggling, reacting to some of Noah's jokes and effortlessly sitting up straight despite appearing to share one chair, per footage from the event's broadcast shared by Entertainment Tonight. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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

Rhymes for sit-up

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

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