abs

¹ American  

[abz] / æbz /

plural noun

Informal.

1. abdominal muscles.

---

ABS ² American  

1. antilock braking system.

---

abs- ³ American  

1. variant of ab-.

   absent; abscond.

---

abs. ⁴ American  

abbreviation

1. absent.

2. absolute.

3. abstract.

---

A.B.S. ⁵ American  

abbreviation

1. American Bible Society.

2. American Bureau of Shipping.

---

ABS ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene: any of a range of tough copolymers used esp for making moulded articles

---

abs ² British  

/ æbz /

plural noun

1. informal abdominal muscles

---

Etymology

Origin of abs

An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; by shortening

Example Sentences

"Today the artists... give them six-pack abs and muscles."

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

In addition to the physical changes, Kinsella said "it was a weird feeling" knowing she no longer had the same stomach power as before because of her abs separating.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

They work your back, shoulders, abs and lower body, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2025

There is, especially this time of year, no shortage of attractive people with six-pack abs who will happily tell you the best way to improve your well-being.

From Slate • Jan. 1, 2025

She has a flying saucer thing that can keep a salad chilled and a set of stretchy bands that give you rock-hard abs.

From "The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle" by Leslie Connor