sit-up

1 of 2

noun

: 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
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.
Noun
During sit-ups, engage your core and complete reps slowly and with control. Jakob Roze, Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Sexiest Man of the Year winner, may have done a few sit-ups and crunches in his day — in full slow-burn mode? David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2024
Verb
According to the Cleveland Clinic, POTS is a chronic condition that causes an abnormally large increase in heart rate when standing or sitting up, which often leads to fainting episodes that typically last about 10 seconds. Jordan Greene, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Toys for Gross Motor Skill Development From rolling over and crawling to sitting up and walking, your infant is on their way to developing a wide variety of gross motor skills. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sit-up 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sit-up was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near sit-up

Cite this Entry

“Sit-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sit-up. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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