: a conditioning exercise performed in a prone position by raising and lowering the body with the straightening and bending of the arms while keeping the back straight and supporting the body on the hands and toes

Examples of push-up in a Sentence

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.
Push-Up Side Plank A push-up is ultimately a moving plank. Mallory Creveling, Health, 22 Oct. 2025 In the video, Alec, 67, and Savchenko, 42, were on the floor of a restaurant engaged in a push-up contest. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 Scapular push-ups: Start in a push-up position with arms straight. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 A number of traditional strength moves fall into the pushing category–including the chest press, overhead press, and push-up–plus some other ones too. SELF, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for push-up

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of push-up was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Push-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/push-up. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

push-up

noun
ˈpu̇sh-ˌəp
: an exercise performed while lying facedown by raising and lowering the body with the straightening and bending of the arms
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