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

Payton contributed seven of his 19 total points during the decisive run to close the game — including a pull-up 3 that made it 99-88 — and grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds for his first double-double since the 2021-22 season. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025

But the Clippers as a team were as hot as Doncic, with Harden’s pull-up 3-pointer toward the end of the quarter giving the visitors a 38-37 lead entering the second. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025

Verb

An unknown sport utility vehicle pulled up alongside them, firing multiple shots at the car, then the SUV continued westbound on I-96. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025

Harrell says paramedics pulled up within minutes and revived Dick. —Sarah Jones, PEOPLE, 12 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