push-up

noun

ˈpu̇sh-ˌəp How to pronounce push-up (audio)
: 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.
Police records show that in October 2025, 36 Phi Kappa Psi fraternity pledges at Indiana University – Bloomington were allegedly ordered to do push-ups, planks, squats and deadlifts for three hours. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Jelly-like, three-dimensional pads contour the cups and provide a push-up effect, thus lifting and preventing spillage. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Head coach Chris DeMarco remembered people stretching to stay loose while staff members did push-ups to pass the time. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 Common examples include push-ups, lunges, squats, planks, and pull-ups. — Jakob Roze, Health, 1 July 2026 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

Rhymes for push-up

See All Rhymes for push-up

Browse Nearby Words

Pushtun
push-up
push wave
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Push-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/push-up. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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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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