1
: a quick thrust or jab (as of a sword) usually made by leaning or striding forward
2
: a sudden forward rush or reach
made a lunge to catch the ball
3
: an exercise in which a person in a standing position steps forward into a position in which the front knee is deeply bent while keeping the torso erect and then returns back to the starting position
also
: a similar exercise in which the initial movement is to the side rather than forward
Note: A lunge can be done while holding weights or without weights.
lunged; lunging
1
: to make a lunge : move with or as if with a lunge
2
: to perform a lunge exercise (see lunge entry 1 sense 3)
: to thrust or propel (something, such as a blow) in a lunge
Examples of lunge in a Sentence
Noun
He made a lunge at me with his knife.
He made a desperate lunge for the ball.
Verb
He lunged at me with his knife.
She lunged across the table.
The crocodile lunged at its prey.
The dog lunged for his throat.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch Muscles and joints worked: glutes, hip flexors, hip joint
How to Do It:
Begin in a half-kneeling position (essentially a low lunge position).
—Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 1 June 2025
An alligator that has been frequently hand-fed will often lunge at an outstretched hand.
—Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lunge
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Noun
Walking, running, weightlifting, lunges, push-ups, and tai chi are good options for maintaining strength and balance.
—Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch Muscles and joints worked: glutes, hip flexors, hip joint
How to Do It:
Begin in a half-kneeling position (essentially a low lunge position).
—Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Verb
Alcaraz lunged for it and somehow made the volley as his racket flew out of his hand.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 1 June 2025
An alligator that has been frequently hand-fed will often lunge at an outstretched hand.
—Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lunge
Cite this Entry
“Lunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lunge. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lunge
1 of 2 noun1
: a sudden stretching thrust or pass (as with a sword)
2
: a sudden forward rush or reach
lunge
2 of 2 verb
lunged; lunging
1
: to move with or as if with a lunge
2
: to make a lunge (as with a sword)
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