pull-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈpu̇l-ˌəp 

plural pull-ups

: an exercise in which one hangs by the hands from a support (such as a horizontal bar) and pulls oneself up until the chin is level with the support

specifically : such an exercise done with the palms facing outward compare chin-up

pull up

2 of 2

verb

pulled up; pulling up; pulls up

transitive verb

1

: to bring to a stop : halt

2

: check, rebuke

intransitive verb

1

a

: to check oneself

b

: to come to an often abrupt halt : stop

2

: to draw even with others in a race

Synonyms of pull-up

Verb

• stop
• halt
• catch
• stall
• check
• stay
• draw up
• hold up
• bring up

Examples of pull-up in a Sentence

Verb

the jockey tried to pull up the apparently injured horse

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pull-Ups Though more advanced than other vertical pulling exercises, the pull-up is a staple exercise that targets your whole back. —Jakob Roze, Health, 26 Dec. 2025

Viewed through modern eyes accustomed to pull-up 30-footers and five-out spacing, the triangle appears downright archaic – especially with its seven non-negotiables that fly in the face of today’s free-flowing game. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025

Verb

After entering and leaving the parking lot abruptly, the Zodiac reportedly pulled up behind Ferrin’s car, then approached the passenger side with a flashlight before opening fire. —Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025

Plants are organized by region; Romero and I started in the Americas, pulling up to an eight-foot-tall Brazilian grape tree, known for the gumball-size purple berries that grow directly on its trunk. —Nora Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for pull-up

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