push-up

noun

ˈpu̇sh-ˌəp 

: 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

After suffering a grade 4 AC joint sprain, Hartje tried doing push-ups in the tunnel, returned to the bench and even played several more shifts before realizing something was seriously wrong. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026

Obviously, a parade of women in push-up bras and feathers was never going to be the ideal vehicle for feminism and inclusivity. — Danielle Pergament, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026

For those who want gentler exercises, options like the soleus push-up can be performed while sitting. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2026

That's because Willie had to do some work, busting out a set of push-ups to match the scoreboard after every scoring drive. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for push-up

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

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