uppercut

noun

up·​per·​cut ˈə-pər-ˌkət How to pronounce uppercut (audio)
: a swinging blow (as in boxing) directed upward with a bent arm
uppercut verb

Examples of uppercut in a Sentence

He hit his opponent with an uppercut to the chin.
Recent Examples on the Web The broken peppercorns, though, hadn’t lost their uppercut. Pete Wells, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2023 His uppercuts slashed the air with erratic gusts of wind. Tyler R. Tynes, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2023 The hands of time and change hit the Bruins like Marvin Hagler jabs and uppercuts this summer. Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Sep. 2023 Álvarez then threw an uppercut before Charlo dropped to a knee. Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2023 Fuqua still loves when McCall was attacked in his kitchen in the first film and used a corkscrew uppercut to the chin to finish off his assailant. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023 The final round commences, Charlie puts his guard up, and—at just the right moment—throws a mean uppercut. IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2023 Then, after winning the set, Djokovic took a couple of steps toward the sideline, before reacting by punching the air, spinning around, throwing an uppercut, holding his right fist aloft and roaring. Chantz Martin, Fox News, 3 June 2023 But there are concerns about an uppercut in his swing that leaves Outman vulnerable to elevated fastballs and down-and-away breaking balls and contributed to his 152 strikeouts last season. Staff Writer follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uppercut.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uppercut was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near uppercut

Cite this Entry

“Uppercut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uppercut. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

uppercut

noun
up·​per·​cut ˈəp-ər-ˌkət How to pronounce uppercut (audio)
: a swinging blow (as in boxing) directed upward with a bent arm
uppercut verb

More from Merriam-Webster on uppercut

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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