First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1pull
verb \ˈpu̇l also ˈpəl\
: to hold onto and move (someone or something) in a particular direction and especially toward yourself
: to remove (something) by gripping it and using force
: to cause (something you are holding or something that is attached to you) to move with you as you go in a particular direction
Full Definition of PULL
transitive verb
1
a : to exert force upon so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force b : to stretch (cooling candy) repeatedly <pull taffy> c : to strain abnormally <pull a tendon> d : to hold back (a racehorse) from winning e : to work (an oar) by drawing back strongly
2
a : to draw out from the skin <pull feathers from a rooster's tail> b : to pluck from a plant or by the roots <pull flowers> <pull turnips> c : extract <pull a tooth>
3
: to hit (a ball) toward the left from a right-handed swing or toward the right from a left-handed swing — compare push
5
: to print (as a proof) by impression
6
: to remove from a place or situation <pull the engine> <pulled the pitcher in the third inning> <pulled the show>
7
: to bring (a weapon) into the open <pulled a knife>
8
a : perform, carry out <pull an all-nighter> <pull guard duty> b : commit, perpetrate <pull a robbery> <pull a prank>
9
10
11
: to demand or obtain an advantage over someone by the assertion of <pull rank>
intransitive verb
1
a : to use force in drawing, dragging, or tugging b : to move especially through the exercise of mechanical energy <the car pulled clear of the rut> c (1) : to take a drink (2) : to draw hard in smoking <pulled at a pipe> d : to strain against the bit
2
: to draw a gun
3
: to admit of being pulled
4
: to feel or express strong sympathy : root <pulling for my team to win>
5
of an offensive lineman in football : to move back from the line of scrimmage and toward one flank to provide blocking for a ballcarrier
— pull·er noun
— pull a face
: to make a face : grimace
— pull a fast one
: to perpetrate a trick or fraud
— pull punches also pull a punch
: to refrain from using all the force at one's disposal
— pull oneself together
: to regain one's composure
— pull one's leg
: to deceive someone playfully : hoax
— pull one's weight
: to do one's full share of the work
— pull stakes or pull up stakes
: to move out : leave
— pull strings also pull wires
: to exert hidden influence or control
— pull the plug
1
: to disconnect a medical life-support system
2
: to withdraw essential and especially financial support
— pull the rug from under
: to weaken or unsettle especially by removing support or assistance from
— pull the string
: to throw a changeup
— pull the trigger
: to make a decisive move or action
— pull the wool over one's eyes
: to blind to the true situation : hoodwink
— pull together
: to work in harmony : cooperate
See pull defined for English-language learners
See pull defined for kids
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Origin of PULL
Middle English, from Old English pullian; akin to Middle Low German pulen to shell, cull
2pull
noun, often attributive
: the act of moving or trying to move something by holding it and bringing it toward you : the act of pulling something
: special influence and power over other people
: an ability or power to attract someone or to make someone want to go somewhere, do something, etc.
Full Definition of PULL
1
a : the act or an instance of pulling b (1) : a draft of liquid (2) : an inhalation of smoke c : the effort expended in moving <a long pull uphill> d : force required to overcome resistance to pulling <a trigger with a four pound pull>
2
a : advantage b : special influence
3
: proof 6a
4
: a device for pulling something or for operating by pulling <a drawer pull>
5
: a force that attracts, compels, or influences : attraction
6
: an injury resulting from abnormal straining or stretching <a muscle pull> <a groin pull>
See pull defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PULL
14th century
PULL[1] Defined for Kids
1pull
verb \ˈpu̇l\
pulledpull·ing
Definition of PULL for Kids
1
: to use force on so as to cause movement toward the force <pulled the rope> <pulling a wagon>
2
: to separate from a firm or a natural attachment <pull a tooth> <pull weeds>
3
: 1move 1 <A train pulled out of the station.>
5
: to move (something) up or down <Pull down the shade.>
6
: to operate by drawing toward <Going against the current, he had to pull the oars harder.>
7
: to stretch repeatedly <pull taffy>
— pull through
: to survive a difficult or dangerous period <She was seriously ill, but pulled through.>
2pull
noun
Definition of PULL for Kids
1
: the act or an instance of grasping and causing to move <two pulls on the cord>
2
: a device for making something move
3
: a force that draws one body toward another <the pull of gravity>
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