uppercut

noun

up·​per·​cut ˈə-pər-ˌkət How to pronounce uppercut (audio)
: a swinging blow (as in boxing) directed upward with a bent arm
uppercut verb

Examples of uppercut in a Sentence

He hit his opponent with an uppercut to the chin.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No boardroom metaphor hits quite like an actual uppercut. Anastasia Paruntseva, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Plaschke delivers a vicious uppercut to his opponent. Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 When the bout restarted, Davis got right back into range and returned to throwing big uppercuts that put Johnson back on the canvas. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 André August Date: December 15, 2023 Result: 1st-round KO Details: Paul landed a devastating uppercut to end the fight. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for uppercut

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uppercut was in 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uppercut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uppercut. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

uppercut

noun
up·​per·​cut ˈəp-ər-ˌkət How to pronounce uppercut (audio)
: a swinging blow (as in boxing) directed upward with a bent arm
uppercut verb

More from Merriam-Webster on uppercut

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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