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• abs
  abs

  plural noun

  abdominal muscles.
• ABS
  ABS

  antilock braking system.
• abs-
  abs-

  variant of ab-.
• abs.
  abs.

  abbreviation

  absent.
• A.B.S.
  A.B.S.

  abbreviation

  American Bible Society.

abs

¹ American  

[abz] / æbz /

plural noun

Informal.

1. abdominal muscles.

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ABS ² American  

1. antilock braking system.

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abs- ³ American  

1. variant of ab-.

   absent; abscond.

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abs. ⁴ American  

abbreviation

1. absent.

2. absolute.

3. abstract.

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A.B.S. ⁵ American  

abbreviation

1. American Bible Society.

2. American Bureau of Shipping.

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ABS ¹ British  

abbreviation

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

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abs ² British  

/ æbz /

plural noun

1. informal abdominal muscles

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Etymology

Origin of abs

An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; by shortening

Example Sentences

Does it hurt?,’ ” said Colleen Ferguson, who owns EMS Body Atelier in Santa Barbara, Calif. Her “obsessed” converts tout toned glutes and abs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"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

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

“Six-pack abs, insane muscles—I mean, you gotta work for that.”

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan