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

Each pair in the collection is constructed with premium pull-up leather, a material selected for its unique appearance. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

The combo of Barrs and Lee especially proved problematic for TCU as the two guards flourished in the mid-range with pull-up jumpers. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025

Verb

Fallon was sporting a beauty, too, pulling up his sleeve to reveal a gorgeous limited-edition Cartier Santos-Dumont with a green malachite dial. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2025

Sturdy directors chairs with rattan backing pull up to marble tabletops. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Nov. 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