sit-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈsit-ˌəp 

: a conditioning exercise performed from a supine position by raising the torso to a sitting position and returning to the original position without using the arms or lifting the feet

sit up

2 of 2

verb

sat up; sitting up; sits up

intransitive verb

1

a

: to rise from a lying to a sitting position

b

: to sit with the back erect

2

: to show interest, alertness, or surprise

sit up and take notice

3

: to stay up after the usual time for going to bed

Examples of sit-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Physical fitness testing: Next, I was guided through a series of physical performance tests: max sit-ups, max push-ups, and a 3-minute plank. —Dana Ingemann, Health, 17 Sep. 2025

For example, sit-ups to remove belly fat, or leg exercises to trim the thighs. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025

Verb

Arthur then sits up, his body now being controlled by the eyeball monster. —Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025

On the reviewing platform, Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa notorious for her trysts with military men, sat up straight and watched them with brightly shining eyes. —Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sit-up

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

Kids Definition

sit-up

noun

ˈsit-ˌəp

: an exercise done by lying on the back and rising up to a sitting position by bending forward at the waist without lifting the feet and returning to the original position