push-up
Definition
- Noun:
- A physical exercise: A "push-up" is a strength-training exercise performed in a prone position by raising and lowering the body using the arms, typically with the back straight and toes on the ground.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- He did twenty push-ups every morning to strengthen his chest and arms. (A specific exercise where the body is lowered and raised with straight arms.)
- The coach required all players to complete fifty push-ups as part of the warm-up. (A repeated physical movement for fitness.)
Advanced Usage
"to do a push-up": to perform one repetition of this exercise.
- She struggled to do her first push-up but eventually managed ten. (To complete a single cycle of the movement.)
"push-up position": the starting posture for the exercise, with hands and toes on the ground and body straight.
- Hold the push-up position for thirty seconds to build core strength. (The static pose before moving up and down.)
Variants and Related Words
Push-up (n): the standard spelling for the exercise.
- He included push-ups in his daily workout routine. (The exercise itself.)
Push-up bra (n): a type of bra designed to lift and support the breasts.
- She wore a push-up bra under her dress for extra shape. (A different meaning, unrelated to the exercise.)
Synonyms
Press-up: a British English term for the same exercise.
- He did press-ups instead of push-ups at the gym. (Synonymous with push-up.)
Bodyweight dip: a similar exercise but performed on parallel bars or a bench.
- Push-ups and bodyweight dips both target the triceps. (A related but distinct movement.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Push up: to raise something upward by applying force (not specific to the exercise).
- He pushed up the window to let in fresh air. (To lift something physically.)
Related Idioms
- Push-up contest: a competition to see who can perform the most push-ups.
- They held a push-up contest at the gym to see who was strongest. (A competitive event using the exercise.)