fist pump

American  

[fist puhmp] / ˈfɪst ˌpʌmp /

noun

Informal.

1. a gesture of enthusiasm, victory, etc., in which one raises a fist and thrusts the forearm quickly and forcefully forward or downward.

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Other Word Forms

• fist-pump
  verb (used with or without object)

Etymology

Origin of fist pump

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

The 23-year-old gave out a scream and fist pump as she held to go into a 6-5 lead before taking her second set point in the next game.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

Warrican finally had the batter caught out at long-on with his left-arm spin for his third wicket and celebrated with a fist pump.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

The first called third strike came in the fifth inning, when Pawol used a fist pump when calling out Miami’s Kyle Stowers on a pitch that was close to the edge of the plate.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

He marked the achievement with a fist pump and a smile after initial relief, while he got a standing ovation from the fans with Murphy joining in the applause.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2025

Mrs. B said, forcing Sabrina’s clenched hand into a fist pump.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas