sit-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈsit-ˌəp 

: a conditioning exercise performed from a supine position by raising the torso to a sitting position and returning to the original position without using the arms or lifting the feet

sit up

2 of 2

verb

sat up; sitting up; sits up

intransitive verb

1

a

: to rise from a lying to a sitting position

b

: to sit with the back erect

2

: to show interest, alertness, or surprise

sit up and take notice

3

: to stay up after the usual time for going to bed

Examples of sit-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During sit-ups, engage your core and complete reps slowly and with control. —Jakob Roze, Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Sexiest Man of the Year winner, may have done a few sit-ups and crunches in his day — in full slow-burn mode? —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2024

Verb

When Minhaj finally brings up the subject here, in his third special, the live Bay Area audience members sit up a little straighter in their chairs. —Will Digravio, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024

Emerson rests under a shade facing Tisdale, while Jupiter sits up and faces forward in her seat. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sit-up

noun

ˈsit-ˌəp

: an exercise done by lying on the back and rising up to a sitting position by bending forward at the waist without lifting the feet and returning to the original position