Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

push-ups

  • plural
    of push-up.
    push-up
    noun
    an exercise in which a person, keeping a prone position with the hands palms down under the shoulders, the balls of the feet on the ground, and the back straight, pushes the body up and lets it down by an alternate straightening and bending of the arms.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The 42-year-old incorporated hacky sacks into a recent workout, challenging students to push-ups each time the sack dropped.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

Researchers note that free weights, dumbbells, weight machines, and bodyweight exercises such as modified push-ups, wall presses, and knee bends can all help improve strength.

From Science Daily ● May 12, 2026

No big deal: some pull-ups, some push-ups, a few squats.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026

She said instructions to carry out exercises like push-ups "might start at a thousand repetitions".

From BBC ● Dec. 11, 2025

Coach P. has us jumping rope and doing sprints, push-ups, and basketball drills.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko