pull-up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal for exercise; technical for electronics.
Quick answer
What does “pull-up” mean?
A physical exercise where you raise your body to a bar by bending your arms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical exercise where you raise your body to a bar by bending your arms; also, to lift or raise something, especially to an upright position.
1. An act of stopping a vehicle. 2. An act of improving or correcting one's performance, behaviour, or status. 3. In electronics, a resistor that ensures a signal line remains high when not actively driven low.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
For the exercise, 'pull-up' is standard in both, but some British speakers might use 'chin-up' more broadly. The noun for stopping a vehicle ('We made a quick pull-up at the services') is more common in UK English.
Connotations
In US fitness contexts, 'pull-up' is a standard, fundamental exercise. In UK motoring contexts, it suggests a brief, informal stop.
Frequency
The noun form (exercise) is high frequency in both. The noun form (vehicle stop) is low frequency and primarily UK.
Grammar
How to Use “pull-up” in a Sentence
[subject] did/pulled [number] pull-ups[subject] pulled up [object] (e.g., a chair, the data)[subject] pulled up (phrasal verb - intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pull-up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He pulled up the weeds from the patio.
- The coach pulled him up for sloppy play.
American English
- Pull up a file on the computer.
- The car pulled up to the gate.
adjective
British English
- The pull-up resistor configuration is shown in diagram B.
- He has impressive pull-up strength.
American English
- The pull-up station was crowded.
- She bought a pull-up diaper for her toddler.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO pulled up the team on their poor quarterly figures. (meaning: reprimanded/corrected)
Academic
The study was pulled up as a prime example of flawed methodology.
Everyday
I'm trying to do five pull-ups without assistance. / Can you pull up that document on your screen?
Technical
A 10kΩ pull-up resistor is required on the SDA line.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pull-up”
- Using 'pull-up' to mean 'pull over' (for a vehicle) is non-standard. 'Pull over' is for stopping at the side of the road. 'Pull up' implies stopping at a specific point, like a kerb or driveway.
- Confusing 'pull-up' (palms away) with 'chin-up' (palms towards you); in casual speech they are often used interchangeably, but strictly they are different grips.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, technically. A pull-up uses an overhand grip (palms facing away), primarily targeting the lats. A chin-up uses an underhand grip (palms facing towards you), which engages the biceps more. In casual conversation, the terms are often used interchangeably for the exercise.
Yes, especially in British English. 'He pulled up outside the house' means he stopped the car there. In American English, 'pull over' is more common for stopping at the side of the road, while 'pull up' often implies stopping at a specific destination like a kerb or door.
It means to correct, reprimand, or challenge someone about a mistake or issue. Example: 'My manager pulled me up on the inaccurate data in my report.'
Yes. You can say 'I did ten pull-ups' or 'I did a set of pull-ups.'
A physical exercise where you raise your body to a bar by bending your arms.
Pull-up is usually neutral to informal for exercise; technical for electronics. in register.
Pull-up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊl ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊl ˌʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pull up your socks! (meaning: make an effort to improve)”
- “Pull up stakes (meaning: to leave one's home or job)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PULL-UP bar: you PULL your body UP to it.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPROVEMENT IS UPWARD MOTION (e.g., 'pull up your grades', 'the company's stocks pulled up').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'pull-up' used as a technical electronic component?