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

The test included one minute of sit-ups (for women) or pull-ups (for men), a 50-meter sprint and a standing long jump (for both), and a time trial of 1,000 meters (for men) and 800 meters (for women). —Richard A. Lovett, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026

The same can be said of long-standing resistance training exercises and bodyweight movements like pull-ups, squats, push-ups and sit-ups. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026

Verb

But with either option, Wilmore Park, which sits up against Interstates 77 and 277, would no longer exist. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026

How aggressive that ends up could make the entire league sit up and pay attention. —Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026

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