lunge

1 of 2

noun

ˈlənj 

1

: a quick thrust or jab (as of a sword) usually made by leaning or striding forward

2

: a sudden forward rush or reach

made a lunge to catch the ball

3

: an exercise in which a person in a standing position steps forward into a position in which the front knee is deeply bent while keeping the torso erect and then returns back to the starting position

also : a similar exercise in which the initial movement is to the side rather than forward

Note: A lunge can be done while holding weights or without weights.

lunge

2 of 2

verb

lunged; lunging

intransitive verb

1

: to make a lunge : move with or as if with a lunge

2

: to perform a lunge exercise (see lunge entry 1 sense 3)

transitive verb

: to thrust or propel (something, such as a blow) in a lunge

Synonyms of lunge

Noun

• jab
• punch

Examples of lunge in a Sentence

Noun

He made a lunge at me with his knife.

He made a desperate lunge for the ball.

Verb

He lunged at me with his knife.

She lunged across the table.

The crocodile lunged at its prey.

The dog lunged for his throat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Researchers defined strength training as exercises using weights or body weight, such as press ups, squats and lunges. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 4 June 2026

Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, rows and lunges place exactly the right kind of stress on the hip, spine and tibia, the sites most vulnerable to fracture. —Allison Palmer updated June 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

Verb

The bear lunged toward Bizhev's car, Radio Bulgaria reported, citing the Bulgarian News Agency. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Then to tie a bow on the outing, Scott got Pavin Smith to lunge after an outside slider and ground into the final out of the game. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of French allonge extension, reach, from Old French alonge, from alongier to lengthen, from Vulgar Latin *allongare, from Latin ad- ad- + Late Latin longare, from Latin longus long

First Known Use

Noun

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1772, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for lunge

• plunge
• sponge
• expunge
• muskellunge

Kids Definition

lunge

1 of 2 noun

ˈlənj 

1

: a sudden stretching thrust or pass (as with a sword)

2

: a sudden forward rush or reach

lunge

2 of 2 verb

lunged; lunging

1

: to move with or as if with a lunge

2

: to make a lunge (as with a sword)